Vaccination against papillomavirus if already infected. Vaccination against HPV. What diseases does HPV cause?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the common name for a group of viruses that are ubiquitous. Some people are just carriers of it, while others are susceptible to the diseases it causes. HPV infection occurs mainly through sexual contact.

This virus is very stable in the external environment, and therefore a contact-household mechanism of infection through microdamage to the skin can occur, and HPV can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. Basically, the symptoms of HPV infection appear when the immune system—the body’s protective functions—decreases.

Both girls and boys can be vaccinated against human papillomavirus.

Diseases caused by the papilloma virus

What is it, HPV type 51 in women, and how can you get infected with it? The question is relevant in the modern world. Human papillomavirus is a dangerous infectious disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes of the human body.

This variety is dangerous because it has a high level of oncogenicity. The disease, in most cases, affects women.

However, men are also not protected from the possibility of infection.

• Diagnosis of papillomavirus type 51.
• Treatment of type 51 virus.

HPV type 51 in women. What is it and where does it come from?

Human papillomavirus is one of the most common diseases transmitted during sexual contact. In women, this disease can manifest itself as various gynecological pathologies.

HPV type 51 belongs to the high-risk group. It is the main cause of the development of dysplasia (precancerous changes), and subsequently cervical cancer. This virus is also capable of causing skin lesions in the form of papillomas of different sizes (from approximately one millimeter to several centimeters), shapes (pointed and flat) and quantity (here it all depends on the immune system) on the genitals.

Papillomas are formations resembling a cauliflower fruit, which are attached to the body by a thin thread-like stalk and have a color from flesh to burgundy.

Human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 - what is it? Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, cancer risks.

Human papillomavirus (international abbreviation - HPV) is a group of DNA viruses that provoke uncontrolled cell division, which causes pathological tissue proliferation and leads to the appearance of skin defects: papillomas, condylomas, warts, and is also the only cause of cervical cancer. People who are not infected with the HPV virus simply do not develop this type of cancer.

HPV is a very common disease throughout the world. The virus can exist in the body for years without showing activity. In this case, the impetus for the appearance of the first symptoms is a decrease in immunity (for example, during the period of colds).

HPV types 16 and 18 in women - what is it?

There are more than a hundred types of this virus, and at least thirteen of them are cancer-causing. HPV types 16 and 18 also fall into this category.

HPV types 16 and 18 are transmitted sexually in almost one hundred percent of cases, and most often to women with reduced immunity.

These types of the virus pose an increased danger to the female body and have the most unfavorable prognosis in terms of health. It is important to detect these types of HPV at an early stage to prevent the growth of cervical cancer.

Stages of pathology

Human papillomavirus infection in women has 4 stages of development.

HPV type 51 in women, what is it and how can you get infected with it?

For more than 50 years, the only real prevention of cervical cancer was secondary prevention - cervical screening, aimed at timely detection and treatment of diseases that can progress to cervical cancer.

In the last decade of the last century, German virologist Harald zur Hauser first developed a vaccine for the primary prevention of cervical cancer, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2008. Today it is possible to prevent HPV infection with timely vaccination.

Human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 - what is it? Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, cancer risks

Only two means are used for vaccination against HPV:

• "Gadrasil";
• "Cervarix".

Both vaccinations are equally effective in combating oncogenic strains of papillomavirus No. 16 and No. 18. However, the Gardasil vaccine additionally protects against strains 6 and 11, which are also dangerous and cause genital warts.

Vaccination goals and experience with HPV vaccines

The main goal of the vaccine against papillomavirus is to prevent the development of cancer. This applies to a greater extent to the weaker sex.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer in women. According to statistics, it causes 7.5% of cancer deaths.

Therefore, WHO strongly recommends vaccination to prevent the development of cancer and other serious diseases.

By March 2017, 71 countries around the world (37%) had introduced the HPV vaccine for use in their national immunization programs to vaccinate girls, and 11 countries (6%) to also vaccinate boys. The experience of these countries is quite successful. It showed the absence of any consequences after vaccination.

Contraindications

Vaccination must be authorized by a physician and immunologist. Contraindications for its implementation include:

• infectious diseases at the acute stage;
• chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver and other organs;
• allergic reaction to the first dose of the vaccine;
• hypersensitivity to any component of the drugs;
• pregnancy and lactation (with Cervarix vaccination).

Vaccination against HPV is indicated to prevent infection with the most dangerous strains of the virus. Young people are most often infected with them during their first sexual intercourse. Accordingly, it is advisable to vaccinate with this vaccine before this time, especially since both drugs used for vaccination are approved for use from 9-10 years of age.

The official WHO guidelines are that vaccination is recommended for all young people between 16 and 26 years of age. Also in October 2018, data appeared that vaccination with Gardasil 9 was approved for people aged 27 to 45 years.

Due to the fact that in some cases, in patients with HPV under 35 years of age, the introduction of the vaccine helped alleviate the course of the disease, on the recommendation of a doctor, the vaccine can be given to already infected women who have long since passed the age of 26.

The HPV vaccine is not given to:

1. During pregnancy, since safety studies for mother and child have not been conducted.
2. While breastfeeding. (Vaccine Cervarix). To date, there is no clinical data confirming the safety of vaccination with this drug during this period for a child. Therefore, it is necessary to either stop breastfeeding or wait until it ends, and only then get vaccinated. The Gardasil vaccine is approved for use during breastfeeding.
3. If an allergic reaction occurs to the primary vaccine.

A relative contraindication for vaccination is any chronic disease in the acute stage, as well as fever and/or a cold - before administering the vaccine, it is necessary to wait until the woman’s condition improves.

In case of bleeding disorders caused by diseases or taking anticoagulants, the advisability of vaccination should be determined in each case individually.

In recent years, HPV vaccines have been included in the national vaccination calendars of many countries around the world. HPV vaccination is recommended for all adolescent girls aged 12-14 years.

It is early vaccination (before the onset of sexual activity) that is most effective. However, even at a later age, the vaccine has undoubted benefits.

Currently, studies of the Gardasil vaccine have been completed in women under the age of 45 and in young men. Based on the results of these studies, HPV vaccines are recommended for use both in women without HPV infection and in infected patients.

The vaccines are contraindicated in persons with hypersensitivity, including severe allergic reactions to a previous dose of the vaccine, or to yeast-like fungi (Gardasil). Vaccination should be delayed until recovery from any acute illness.

The vaccine against the human papillomavirus is still a fairly serious drug and therefore there are certain contraindications to its introduction into the body:

1. Vaccines should not be administered to women during pregnancy. Adequate and strictly controlled safety studies have not been conducted during pregnancy.
2. Lactation period (Cervarix vaccine). As for the Gardasil vaccine, the drug has passed all the studies and is considered absolutely safe for a baby while breastfeeding.
3. The body of some women does not respond adequately to the introduction of the primary vaccine, which can manifest itself in the form of a classic allergic reaction - rashes and itching on the skin, frequent sneezing, excessive lacrimation, dry/non-productive cough. In this case, further vaccination is prohibited.

Another important point is conditional contraindications:

• the HPV vaccine is not given to women who have hyperthermia (body temperature above normal);
• vaccination is postponed, if there is an exacerbation of any chronic disease - the doctor simply waits for remission of the disease, improvement of the condition.

Please note: vaccination against human papillomavirus “works” only against types 16 and 18, that is, it is a preventive measure against cervical cancer. In addition to types 16 and 18, the Gardasil vaccine also protects against types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts and multiple papillomas.

Is the vaccine dangerous?

The HPV vaccine is used for children and adolescents. It provides 100% protection against strains with a high risk of developing cancer. There are two drugs on the drug market:

• Gardasil (Holland). Protects against types 6, 11, 16 and 18 of the virus.
• Cervarix (Belgium). Countersacts HPV types 16 and 18. Applies to girls only.

Please note that this vaccination does not provide protection against various sexually transmitted diseases. It is also not a contraceptive.

Up to what age can you get vaccinated?

Many people are interested in the age at which vaccinations are carried out. Anyone under 26 years of age can get vaccinated. In world practice, vaccination is given to children aged 9-14 years, and adolescents aged 18-26 years. WHO considers the ideal ages for vaccination to be 10-13 years and 16-23 years. The fact is that the child’s body responds better to vaccination and receives more powerful protection against papillomavirus, which significantly reduces the likelihood of developing cancer in the future. Additionally, it can be carried out for girls and young people under the age of 26.

Also in October 2018, data appeared that vaccination with Gardasil 9 was approved for people aged 27 to 45 years.

The most rational option is to vaccinate before the first sexual intercourse. That is why in the USA and some developed European countries, children of both sexes aged 10-14 years are subject to mandatory vaccination.

HPV vaccination schedule

Although the vaccines are almost entirely the same in terms of effectiveness, there are a few differences. In particular, the range of action and area of ​​application of the drug "Gardasil" is wider - it can be used for both women and men, starting from the age of 9.

Gardasil

In addition, this remedy also protects against two other types of virus No. 6 and No. 11, which cause the appearance of warts and condylomas. Cervarix is ​​used only for vaccination of women and only for the prevention of oncogenic strains of HPV No. 16 and No. 18. If you need to solve this particular problem, then Cervarix is ​​suitable, but in other situations it is better to choose the Gardasil vaccine.

The injection is performed only intramuscularly in the thigh or shoulder, because in these parts of the body, the muscle layer is well developed and is located close to the surface of the skin due to a fairly thin fat layer. The dose of the drug is 0.5 ml at a time for all patients, regardless of age, weight and other parameters.

Depending on the drug used, the vaccination procedure differs:

• The primary vaccination with the Gardasil vaccine is given on any day chosen by the patient, and the secondary and tertiary vaccines are administered after 2 months (60 days) and six months (180 days), respectively. If a woman’s age approaches the threshold after which vaccination is no longer given, an accelerated schedule can be used, in which repeated injections are administered after a month and 3 months, that is, 30 and 90 days.
• The Cervarix vaccine is given according to the scheme 0 - 1 - 6 months, that is, after the first vaccination, repeated injections are administered after 30 and 180 days. There is no accelerated vaccination.

Immunity against HPV is finally formed on average one month after the last third injection.

The action of HPV vaccines is based on stimulation of the immune system by virus-like particles obtained from the surface protein of HPV. There is evidence that vaccines generate good immune memory. These observations suggest that the duration of protection against HPV will be measured in decades, as is the case with hepatitis B vaccines.

Currently, two vaccines against HPV have been synthesized: Cervarix, a bivalent HPV-16.18 vaccine, and Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV-16.18/6.11 vaccine. In large multicenter studies involving tens of thousands of women aged 16 to 26 years, both vaccines were found to be nearly 100% effective in preventing disease caused by human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 (Cervarix) and types 6,11,16 and 18 (“Gardasil”).

There is evidence of a possible additional protective role of these vaccines against other HPV types not included in the vaccines (so-called cross-immunity). Studies have shown immunity against primary infection with HPV types 45, 31, 33 and 52.

Despite the fact that vaccines are not therapeutic, i.e. cannot accelerate the elimination of an already acquired virus, they prevent re-infection with HPV (reinfection). This is especially true for couples in which both partners are infected with the virus. If a woman is cured, the vaccine protects her from re-infection from an infected partner.

HPV testing is not necessary before vaccination and is not recommended. Single HPV DNA testing diagnoses only current, transient, but not previous HPV infection. There are currently no commercial serological tests available to diagnose past infection.

The vaccination course continues for ½ year according to the scheme 0-2-6 months for the Gardasil vaccine and 0-1-6 months for the Cervarix vaccine.

The minimum acceptable interval between the first and second doses of the vaccine is 4 weeks, the minimum interval between the second and third doses is 12 weeks. Therefore, an accelerated vaccination schedule is sometimes allowed.

If the vaccine schedule is interrupted, there is no need to start the entire series over. If vaccination is interrupted after the first dose, the second dose should be given as soon as possible and separated from the third dose by at least 12 weeks.

If only the third dose is delayed, it should be given as quickly as possible. If the interval between vaccinations is violated, the vaccination course is considered completed if three doses are administered within 1 year.

The HPV vaccines created to date are genetically modified, i.e. do not contain viral genetic material and are absolutely safe from HPV infection. There is no risk of oncogenic progression and productive infection during vaccination.

Side effects from HPV vaccines are extremely rare. The most common side effects of the vaccine are pain at the injection site, fever and headache, which in 95% of cases are mild.

Fainting (sinocarotid or vasodepressor reaction) may occur after any vaccination, especially in adolescents or young women, so sit for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine.

HPV vaccines can be given to breastfeeding mothers.

Immunosuppression is not a contraindication to vaccination. However, the effectiveness of vaccination in this group of patients may be reduced due to a weaker immune response to the vaccine.

There is evidence that the HPV vaccine can be administered concomitantly with the hepatitis B vaccine. Although data are not available regarding other vaccines, the HPV vaccines do not contain components that would adversely affect the safety and effectiveness of the other vaccines.

It is important to remember that HPV vaccines are not a replacement for standard cervical cancer screening programs. Women who have completed vaccination should continue to participate in screening programs.

It is introduced according to the scheme 0 - 2 - 6 months. The first administration of the papilloma vaccine is carried out on any selected day, secondary and tertiary vaccinations are carried out, respectively, 60 and 180 days after the initial administration.

If necessary, the HPV vaccine is administered according to an accelerated schedule: 0 - 1 - 3 months. That is, the first HPV vaccination is given on any selected day, subsequent vaccinations are carried out 1 and 3 months after the initial administration.

Such an accelerated scheme may be needed if the age of a young woman is already “critical” for the specific procedure under consideration and when vaccination is carried out according to the classical scheme, the vaccination against papillomavirus simply “will not work”.

Cervarix

This vaccine against papillomavirus is administered only according to the classical scheme: 0 - 1 - 6 months. That is, the first visit to the doctor for vaccination against papilloma occurs on any selected day, then the woman must undergo secondary and tertiary vaccination after 1 and 3 months, respectively.

Whatever HPV vaccine is administered, the injection is given intramuscularly in a dose of 0.5 ml for all age groups of patients.

The HPV vaccine cannot be a cure for cervical cancer, condylomatosis and other diseases caused by the human papillomavirus. If the vaccination course has already begun, then the woman should protect herself from pregnancy throughout this period - a preliminary consultation with a gynecologist will help her choose the optimal method of contraception.

Vaccination against papilloma is classified as highly effective. In 99% of vaccinated women, stable antibodies were found that protect against the infection in question.

The ideal age for vaccination against human papillomavirus is 10-14 years. That is, before the start of sexual activity.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common genital tract infection caused by a virus. In total, there are about forty different types of this virus in the world that can infect the genital area of ​​both men and women, including the vulva (female external genitalia), the skin on the surface of the penis, as well as the rectum and cervix .

The human papillomavirus vaccine is now very popular.

About the virus

1. First vaccination for girls
2. Having an effect
3. Contraindications and possible complications
4. Pregnancy and vaccination
5. Side effects
6. Who is recommended to undergo the procedure?
7. What is the cost of the procedure and where can it be done?

On the effect on fertility

Gardasil does not contain mercury, thiomersal, or live or dead viruses. It only contains:

1. virus-like particles, proteins that actually provoke an immune response; they cannot reproduce in the human body and generally harm it in any way
2. yeast protein
3. amino acid L-histidine, which promotes the growth and repair of tissues in the human body
4. polysorbate-80 (monooleate; as a stabilizer and emulsifier; a harmless aromatic substance that you eat in kilograms with ice cream, and also apply to the skin as part of salt and sugar scrubs and inhale with air fresheners)
5. sodium tetraborate (borax, a preservative; there is a lot of shouting on the Internet about its dangers, but, firstly, it is prescribed even to infants for candidiasis, and secondly, the vaccine contains only 35 mcg)
6. aluminum alum as an adjuvant, i.e. immune response enhancer

There are no studies on any of these substances that prove their danger to conception and subsequent pregnancy and childbirth.
There is not a single piece of evidence in any country in the world that over the past 10 years, the birth rate has fallen among girls vaccinated against HPV or that infants among vaccinated women are dying more often.

There is no evidence to suggest that the vaccine has any effect on female fertility.

A person needs a vaccine against papillomavirus. This is especially true for the female population.

A woman's immunity is somewhat weaker and is susceptible to the development of the virus. In addition, the human papillomavirus can cause serious diseases such as cervical cancer and other diseases associated with the papillomavirus.

Therefore, it is especially important for women to receive vaccinations that can produce long-term immunity against the human papillomavirus.

First vaccination for girls

Vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary safety measure that can help prevent the development of many dangerous diseases. Vaccination is especially recommended for women, whose immunity, unlike men, is weaker and therefore more often exposed to the virus.

What are the risks of refusing a vaccine?

Some may think that the human papillomavirus is not as dangerous as doctors say about it. Many believe that these are just horror stories, specially created to pump money out of the ordinary working population. What are the real risks of refusing vaccination? Can the virus really cause dangerous diseases?

Vaccination against the human papillomavirus is necessary to prevent the development of infectious pathologies with the subsequent development of cancerous tumors. In most cases, diseases caused by a virus are benign, but there are exceptions. Quite often, pathologies provoked by the virus contribute to the development of cancer of the genital organs in women and men.

Important! In countries where the medical industry is at a high level, with the help of modern equipment and highly qualified medical personnel, in most cases, virus damage is diagnosed in the early stages, thereby preventing the formation of cancer.

Refusal to vaccinate may have unpleasant consequences. When a woman’s body is infected by a virus, the cells of the mucous membranes of the vagina and cervix begin to degenerate; in medicine, this phenomenon is called neoplasia - a background precancerous condition.

In this case, timely diagnosis of the condition is very important, since it will help prevent the development of cancer with the help of proper treatment. If you let the pathology take its course, the neoplasia will slowly but persistently progress and after 14-20 years the patient will be given a terrible diagnosis - cancer of the genital organs.

Today, medicine offers all women to be vaccinated against HPV to prevent infection with the virus and the development of malignant tumors of the genital organs.

Time of the first vaccine

According to statistics, the main route of infection with the human papillomavirus is sexual contact. In most cases, the virus infects the human body during puberty and at the beginning of active sexual life. In medicine, cases of infection of adolescents, girls, and boys have been recorded more than once.

At what age should the first vaccination be given? Routine vaccination of girls against HPV should be carried out at the age of 11-12 years. The first vaccine is given before a girl or boy becomes sexually active, when children have not yet become infected with the virus.

Important! To prevent infection, the World Health Organization suggests vaccinating girls and women aged 10-13 years and 16-23 years.

The vaccine guarantees human safety against the human papillomavirus; it contains aluminum hydroxide, yeast, antibiotics and certain preservatives. The vaccination is carried out for both girls and boys, although some doctors primarily recommend the procedure for girls.

This is due to the fact that in most cases the virus still affects the female body, causing cancer, and vaccinating girls not only prevents infection, but also interrupts the transmission of the virus to a sexual partner.

Thus, the male sex is under some protection without a vaccine.

Girls are vaccinated according to a certain scheme:

1. first vaccination;
2. second vaccination after two months;
3. third vaccination, six months later.

Vaccination against human papillomavirus consists of three vaccinations that must be given at intervals of a certain period of time. The vaccination is done only intramuscularly in the shoulder or thigh area; any other area of ​​the body is not suitable for the vaccine, nor is the method of its administration.

Important! In order for vaccination to be positive, strict adherence to all vaccination rules is necessary.

The HPV vaccine is a way to gain immunity to some dangerous strains of the virus. The vaccine is effective against 4 strains of the virus and avoids complications that have spread widely throughout the world. This is especially true for women.

HPV is a virus that causes the appearance of papilloma; some strains infect the area of ​​cervical dysplasia. Human papillomavirus infection is widespread throughout the world, affecting men and women who are sexually active.

To prevent infection with a virus that has oncogenic potential, it was decided to create a vaccine for prophylactic purposes.

The peculiarity of the vaccination is that the target group is girls under 25 years of age. Men have a lower incidence of cancer than women. Vaccination of women is more effective. It is performed before sexual activity begins, when the risk of infection is minimal.

There are countries that carry out HPV prevention in men in order to reduce the amount of the virus in the population.

What types of HPV and their consequences does the vaccine protect against?

Vaccination promotes the development of active immunity to human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16 and 18. The first two cause the development of genital warts. They are found in 9 out of 10 cases of growths. HPV 6 and 11 are strains with low oncogenic risk.

HPV 16 and 18 are viruses with a high oncogenic risk; they develop in the zone of dysplasia of the cervical epithelium.

The use of vaccinations allows you to avoid infection and the development of consequences that cause enormous damage to physical, psychological, and financial well-being.

Which vaccine against papillomavirus to choose

There are several options for HPV vaccines (in foreign sources “hpv vaccine”): Gardasil and Cervarix. They have a similar principle of action: they contain recombinant (artificially created) capsid proteins (the outer shell of the virus), with which immunocompetent cells interact, and active immunity develops.

Gardasil contains four common, dangerous types of proteins (6, 11, 16, 18). There is a vaccine against HPV “Gardasil 9”, which provides for the formation of specific antibodies to 5 other types – 31, 33, 45, 52, 58.

Gardasil has the following indications:

• prevention of cancer of the cervix, vulva, and vagina in women; penile cancer, anal carcinoma in men;
• prevention of the appearance of genital papillomas on the genitals.

Vaccination has a low risk of side effects. It is safe for pregnant and lactating women. There is no negative impact on the health of the baby or childbearing.

The Cervarix vaccine is bivalent; immunity is formed to two types - 16 and 18, which are considered provoking factors in 70% of cervical cancer. Contains viral capsid proteins, but differs in adjuvant. An adjuvant is a substance that can deposit an antigen and increase its effect on the immune system. The titer of antibodies when using the vaccine became 16-26 times greater than when they were naturally produced as a result of infection.

The Cervarix vaccine does not protect the body from types 6 and 11. When used, antibodies are cross-produced to species 31 and 45, which have a high oncogenic risk and can provoke the development of condylomas, carcinomas of the mucous membranes, Bowen's disease, bowenoid papulosis.

Side effects common to most vaccinations:

• fever;
• chills;
• hyperemia, swelling in the injection area;
• pain at the injection site;
• hives.

Currently, a therapeutic vaccine is being developed that can neutralize the oncogenic effect of the virus by destroying oncoproteins and stimulating the immune system to destroy infected atypical cells. It is effective for treating precancerous conditions.

The choice of vaccination depends on the attending physician and the drug.

Both drugs have a low risk of side effects. "Gardasil" has a wider spectrum of action, "Cervarix" has a longer, more pronounced antiviral effect, but its range of action is narrower.

According to epidemiological studies, the prevalence of specific types of HPV varies from country to country. Rational use of the vaccine will prevent infection with a common strain for a particular area.

Vaccination scheme

After contacting a dermatologist, the doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe tests. After diagnosis, confirmation of the absence of infection in the body, contraindications, the doctor will familiarize you with the vaccination schedule.

Gardasil. Immunization of children is carried out from 9 to 17 years, women from 18 to 26. The method of administration according to the instructions is intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle or into the quadriceps femoris muscle. Inject 0.5 ml.

The course consists of three introductions: 2 months after the first, the last in the sixth month. There is an accelerated course: the second injection is carried out a month after the first injection, and the last one – 3 months after the second. If there is a violation of the order of application, vaccination is considered successful when all doses are administered within a year.

Cervarix. The optimal dose for vaccination of girls over 10 years of age is 0.5 ml. Inserted in the deltoid region of the arm. Administration scheme:

• first use;
• the second – a month later;
• the third - at 6 months.

Up to what age can you get vaccinated?

The human papillomavirus vaccine is given between the ages of 9 and 25-26 years. During this period, a person is either not sexually active or has just started; the likelihood of carrying the virus is low. As a result of vaccination, immunity is formed for a long time (minimum 5 years). Revaccination is not carried out.

If a person is not infected with HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18 and is over 26 years of age, he can be vaccinated.

Vaccination against persistent human papillomavirus in the body is ineffective

Does an already infected person need a vaccine against papillomavirus?

The virus penetrates into cells, where it loses its protein coat, its genetic apparatus takes control of the cell, beginning the assembly of new viral particles. When the virus actively multiplies, we speak of a productive infection. When the papillomavirus transforms into an integrated form, the clinical signs disappear and a nonproductive HPV infection develops. It is the integrated form that is most dangerous. In this state, the genes responsible for the synthesis of oncogenic proteins E6 and E7 are activated, which contribute to the immortalization of epidermal cells.

The introduction of vaccination leads to the appearance of specific antibodies that can recognize the protein shell of the virus. When it enters the body, it is recognized and destroyed. If a person is already infected, before going to the hospital, the cells are already subject to changes. Antibodies inside them cannot recognize the infectious agent. Vaccination in this case is ineffective.

Doctors' opinions on the HPV vaccine: pros and cons

A number of myths have accumulated around the vaccine:

1. There is no evidence of protection against cancer.
2. The vaccine protects against all types of HPV.
3. Leads to infertility.
4. Only done for girls.
5. Harm of pregnancy.
6. The vaccine is used to treat bovine papillomavirus.

Myth 1. Vaccinations were developed at the end of the 20th century; existing experience with their use is insignificant. It excludes the development of cervical cancer with HPV infection.

Myth 2. Gardasil and Cervarix protect only against a narrow list of HPV types. There are more than 140 types that can cause warts, condylomas, and other manifestations of infection. The vaccine protects against 4 strains.

Myth 3. Data on impaired fertility in vaccinated people over the years of monitoring were not found.

Myth 4. Boys are rarely vaccinated. The unpopularity of Gardasil for vaccinating men is due to the fact that forms of cancer induced by HPV do not occur, and cervical cancer is one of the most common oncologies.

Myth 5. Vaccinations during the study did not show a negative effect on the fetus, but due to the small sample size, we cannot be completely sure of this. Not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Myth 6. Some people believe that the drugs are used to vaccinate cattle against papillomatosis. Human papillomavirus (not bovine or bovine) does not affect cattle.

Contraindications to HPV vaccination

Contraindications to vaccination:

• individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• development of allergic reactions during previous administration;
• feverish condition;
• the presence of inflammation at the injection site.

Relative contraindications for Gardasil HPV vaccination:

• thrombocytopenia;
• hemophilia;
• coagulation disorders when taking anticoagulants;
• fever.

The human papillomavirus easily and quietly penetrates the body, causing the appearance of small growths on the skin and mucous membranes. Many of them are considered harmless and create only a cosmetic defect. Others are capable of malignizing and over time developing into tumors of a malignant nature. Neoplasia causes the greatest danger in the fairer sex, as it increases the likelihood of developing cervical cancer. In order to prevent and minimize risks, WHO decided to vaccinate against HPV among women of reproductive age and young girls.

Papillomas, warts, and other small formations are nothing more than a consequence of pathological changes in the skin in the area of ​​the urogenital tract, in particular, the perineum and anorectum, the mucous membranes of the genital organs and respiratory tract. The provoking factor for the appearance of all these formations is considered to be the papillomavirus, which has several hundred varieties. Among them there are both completely harmless and dangerous strains for health and life. Types 16 and 18 are highly oncogenic.

They can cause malignant formations that are localized in the following areas:

• in women - on the mucous membrane of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus;
• in men - on the penis and other organs of the urogenital tract.

Since the main route of infection is sexual contact, as puberty progresses, a large number of young people become infected, with the first episodes occurring in adolescents seeking to gain experience of intercourse as quickly as possible.

Vaccination against human papillomavirus - degree of vaccine effectiveness

Many countries have immunization programs that include preventive vaccination against papillomavirus. Its goal is to prevent the development of cancer, especially among the fairer sex.

It is important to know! Currently, cervical cancer is one of the five most common cancer pathologies; in approximately 7-8% of cases it is the cause of death. In this regard, WHO recommends vaccination and including it in the list of mandatory vaccinations.

So far, it is carried out on a voluntary basis, since not everyone is aware of the effects of the administered drugs, their effectiveness, procedure for use and cost.

Types of vaccinations and their characteristics

Today, two types of vaccines against papillomavirus strains are produced, which are widely and successfully used in dozens of countries. They reliably protect against viruses of types 16 and 18, which are a common cause of cervical cancer, and also effectively protect against some other, not so common strains.

"Gardasil." Quadrivalent HPV vaccine, which reliably protects against infection with 4 types of HPV - 6, 11, 16, 18. It is produced by the Dutch pharmaceutical company MSD - Merck Sharp and Dom B.V.

"Cervarix". The vaccine is bivalent, protecting against infection with only the two most dangerous types of HPV 16 and 18. It is produced in Belgium by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.

The peculiarity of both drugs is that they do not contain living genetic material of the virus; it is based on protein structures that promote the production of antibodies, which will subsequently become a reliable barrier to infection by these strains. In addition, the composition includes aluminum hydroxide, which is also necessary for the formation of an immune response.

Vaccines are produced in identical vials or syringes, each of which contains a single dose of the drug - 0.5 ml. They should be stored in a cool, dry place without freezing, as in this case they lose their pharmacological properties.

Features of vaccination and main goals

Regardless of age and gender, the single dose is 0.5 ml. To form full immunity against papillomavirus, three doses of the vaccine are required with a certain period of time.

Despite the similarity of composition and pharmacological effect, vaccination is carried out differently.

"Gardasil." For vaccination with this drug, the following scheme is used: 0-2-6. In detail it looks like this. The first injection is given on any day of the week that the patient chooses. The next injection is allowed no earlier than two months later. She receives the third dose six months after the start of the procedure. If it is necessary to vaccinate in a short time, then the scheme will be as follows: 0-4-12, that is, four weeks should pass between the first and second vaccination, and at least three months between 2 and 3.

"Cervarix". The injection drug is also administered three times, but at different intervals. Between the first two injections it is necessary to maintain a gap of 30 days, and after the initial and final injections - 6 months. With an abbreviated vaccination regimen, the order of administration of the drug looks like this: 0-1-2.5, that is, the period between the last two procedures is two and a half months.

Important Notes

The injection of the drug against HPV is performed strictly intramuscularly. Subcutaneous administration leads to failure and complete lack of effect.

Intravenous use causes a condition when the drug enters the blood simultaneously, as a result of which the immune system is maximally activated. This contributes to the destruction of antigens and the inability to produce antibodies.

It is allowed to inject only into the shoulder or thigh, since it is in these areas of the body that the muscles are well developed and located close to the surface due to the insufficiently dense lipid layer.

Possible body reactions

Regardless of the drug, the human papillomavirus vaccine has low reactogenicity. This means that it is easily tolerated and rarely causes negative feelings. However, in some cases, side effects may occur that occur during vaccination with any other drug.

• Redness, swelling, soreness and mild itching at the injection site. The reaction is not pronounced and does not require treatment.
• Selected facts of increased body temperature to 38°C. In case of discomfort, you can take antipyretics - Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Nimesulide.
• In rare cases, the appearance of headache, weakness, and malaise.

Advice! If you are prone to allergic reactions, it is recommended to vaccinate while taking antihistamines. Otherwise, rhinitis and other catarrhal symptoms may develop.

Ban on vaccination

Making a decision to administer the drug on your own is strictly prohibited. Those wishing to do so should contact a therapist and immunologist for a full examination to find out whether the papillomavirus is present in the body.

Along with this, there are some restrictions on vaccination with drugs against HPV and cervical cancer.

• Age. The recommended period for vaccination is 10-13 years and 16-24 years.
• Disease. Long-term course of the disease caused by HPV. It is acceptable to administer the injection after recovery while taking immunomodulators and antiviral drugs. Cycloferon, Allokin-alpha, and Panavir are considered effective.
• Allergy. High sensitivity to individual components of the vaccine. Reactions to antibacterial agents and yeast are included in this list. If these conditions exist, you must report them in advance.
• Infections. Various types of lesions, as well as chronic pathologies during exacerbation. The exception is ARVI.
• Loss of consciousness. Fainting may occur among teenagers. They are considered temporary and disappear after the end of puberty.

Although well tolerated, the injection can cause serious complications. They manifest themselves in the form of urticaria, Quincke's edema and even anaphylactic shock.

Vaccination of pregnant women

For ethical reasons, HPV drugs have not been tested in pregnant women, so there is no data on their effects on the fetus. Given this circumstance, some doctors recommend refraining from vaccination during this period, waiting until the birth of the child.

However, since there have been cases of unintentional vaccination of pregnant women with Gardasil, during observation of them no abnormalities in the fetus or negative consequences from the injections were revealed. In this regard, it was allowed to give injections against HPV during breastfeeding.

As for the Cervarix vaccine, there is no information on safety during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from vaccination with this drug.

Suitable age

Those wishing to get vaccinated against HPV often ask at what age can they get vaccinated. Since the virus enters the body through intimate intimacy, it is wise to get vaccinated in the early period at the stage of sexual formation, when there is no sexual activity. In many countries, immunization is carried out among girls and young women due to the high cost of the drug. In this case, young men and boys receive indirect protection from infection. According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, injections against the papilloma virus and cervical cancer are indicated for young people of both sexes, starting from 9-12 years old and ending with 13 years old. The maximum age stated in the document is 26 years.

It is believed that if the virus has penetrated into an adult body, then the effect of the injection is equal to zero. In addition, there is no scientific data on the administration of the vaccine and its benefits in people older than this category. According to studies conducted by domestic specialists, patients under the age of 35 who received an injection of the drug tolerate the disease more easily and get rid of its manifestations faster.

Attention! The ideal period for immunization, according to WHO recommendations, is considered to be 10-13 years and 16-24 years.

additional information

Women who want to get vaccinated with an anti-HPV drug often do not know where to buy it, how much it costs, or where to go for help.

Vaccine cost

Depending on the region and the status of the medical institution, the price of a full course using 3 Cervarix injections can vary in the range of 3500-5500 rubles. The drug "Gardasil" is more expensive, the cost of one ampoule ranges from 5500-8500 rubles.

According to reviews, the vaccine is also available for free sale, so it is easy to buy in a pharmacy chain. All necessary information can be obtained on the Rusmedserver website. It is also recommended that you read the instructions for use of the drugs.

Medicines used for immunization are purchased from the same companies and are of the same quality. Therefore, the difference in the cost of vaccinations is determined by the pricing policy of the institution.

Vaccination facilities

The human papillomavirus vaccine is considered quite common. For immunization, you can contact various institutions:

• district clinic;
• antenatal clinic;
• oncology clinics;
• gynecological departments of the hospital;
• private institutions.

Some well-funded institutions provide vaccinations for free. When choosing a vaccination site, you should focus on the conditions under which the vaccines are stored, as this is the key to their effectiveness and safety. It is also necessary to familiarize yourself with the quality of the drug and its expiration date.

Other preventative measures

As you know, it is impossible to completely get rid of the human papillomavirus. Treatment also takes a lot of time and effort, since it involves painful removal of tumors and taking a whole range of drugs. To prevent the occurrence of the disease, it is necessary to follow certain preventive measures. These include:

According to the World Health Organization, about 60% of the world's population is infected with papillomavirus (HPV), some are only carriers, while others are susceptible to the diseases it causes. Infection with the virus occurs through wounds and other skin lesions, from mother to child during childbirth, and also through sexual contact. HPV manifests itself when the body's protective functions decrease.

Both girls and boys can be vaccinated against human papillomavirus

Diseases caused by the papilloma virus

There are a large number of strains of the virus, and each of them causes certain diseases:

• Vulgar warts. Triggered by virus type 2. They look like a growth with a rough surface. Infection occurs through household means. It usually affects children and teenagers. Does not require any treatment.
• Flat warts. Caused by viruses types 3 and 5. They are flat growths no larger than 3 mm in size. Young people are at risk. Treatment is usually not carried out; the body itself fights the virus.
• Plantar warts (we recommend reading:). Occurs when infected with types 1 and 2 of the virus. They appear on the feet in places where shoes rub and cause pain when pressed. Treated with surgery.
• Genital warts. Appear as a result of activation of virus strains 6 and 11. Location: male and female genital organs.
• Epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Caused by virus types 5, 8, 47 (with high oncogenic risk) and 14, 20, 21, 25 (with low oncogenic risk). It appears as voluminous pink spots that quickly spread throughout the body.
• Laryngeal papillomatosis. Caused by virus type 11. Affects the respiratory tract, making swallowing and breathing difficult. Most often it affects children under 5 years of age.
• Bowenoid papulosis. Triggered by the following types of papillomavirus: 16, 18, 31-35, 42, 48, 51-54. It appears in men in the form of small growths of different shapes and colors.
• Bowen's disease. Affects men infected with types 16 and 18 of papillomavirus.

• Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Occurs in women due to virus strains 16 and 18. This is a disease that precedes cervical cancer.
• Cervical cancer. Occurs with virus types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39.
• Rectal cancer. The causative agents are strains 16 and 18.

Vaccination goals and experience with HPV vaccines

The main goal of the vaccine against papillomavirus is to prevent the development of cancer. This applies to a greater extent to the weaker sex. Cervical cancer is one of the five most common cancers among women. According to statistics, it causes 7.5% of cancer deaths. Therefore, WHO strongly recommends vaccination to prevent the development of cancer and other serious diseases.

In all developed countries, vaccination against the human papillomavirus is on the list of mandatory vaccinations. For example, in the USA it is done at 11-12 years old, in Austria at 11-17.

The experience of these countries is quite successful. It showed the absence of any severe consequences after vaccination.

Who gets vaccinated against the virus?

The HPV vaccine is used for children and adolescents. It provides 100% protection against strains with a high risk of developing cancer. There are two drugs on the drug market:

1. Gardasil (Holland). Protects against types 6, 11, 16 and 18 of the virus.
2. Cervarix (Belgium). Countersacts HPV types 16 and 18. Applies to girls only.

Please note that this vaccination does not provide protection against various sexually transmitted diseases. It is also not a contraceptive.

Up to what age can you get vaccinated?

Many people are interested in the age at which vaccinations are carried out. Anyone under 26 years of age can get vaccinated. In world practice, vaccination is given to children aged 9-14 years, and adolescents aged 18-26 years. WHO considers the ideal ages for vaccination to be 10-13 years and 16-23 years.

The most rational option is to vaccinate before the first sexual intercourse. That is why in the USA and some developed European countries, children of both sexes aged 10-14 years are subject to mandatory vaccination. Additionally, it can be carried out for girls under the age of 26 who have not been infected with HPV. The fact is that the child’s body responds better to vaccination and receives more powerful protection against papillomavirus, which significantly reduces the likelihood of developing cancer in the future.

HPV vaccination schedule

Vaccines are sold in special syringes or 0.5 ml ampoules. They are stored in the refrigerator. Vaccination can be done at the nearest clinic, gynecological department of a public hospital and a private clinic. Vaccinations are done according to the following scheme:

• Cervarix is ​​administered according to the schedule: the first vaccine, a month later - the second, after 6 months - the third. It is permissible to carry out vaccination according to the accelerated option - the third vaccination is carried out 3-4 months after the second.
• Gardasil is used according to a similar scheme: the first vaccine, after 1.5-2 months - the second, after 6 months - the third (with accelerated vaccination after 3-4 months).

The drugs are injected intramuscularly into the shoulder or thigh. It is strictly forbidden to do intravenous, subcutaneous and intradermal injection, since antibodies are not produced in this case.

Is vaccination necessary if you have the virus?

Before vaccination, young people and girls who are sexually active are required to be tested for the presence of papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16 and 18. If the result is positive, vaccination is usually not carried out. However, recent research by scientists in this area has shown that infected women who were vaccinated before the age of 35 overcame the course of treatment for papillomavirus faster and more easily. In this regard, some doctors still recommend vaccination if you have human papilloma.

Contraindications

Vaccination must be authorized by a physician and immunologist. Contraindications for its implementation include:

• infectious diseases at the acute stage;
• chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver and other organs;
• presence of diseases caused by HPV;
• allergic reaction to the first dose of the vaccine;
• hypersensitivity to any component of the drugs;
• pregnancy (with vaccination with Cervarix).

The consequences for the child of vaccination with Cervarix during pregnancy have not been studied. The same applies to the lactation period. In this case, you should either use the second vaccine or postpone it. The drug "Gardasil" has passed all studies and is considered absolutely safe for the child, both during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

Post-vaccination reaction and possible complications

Complications after vaccination against HPV occur extremely rarely and are mainly allergic in nature. After vaccination, the patient is recommended to stay in the clinic for 20-30 minutes to provide quick medical assistance, if required.

Within 48 hours after administration of the drugs, the following ailments may occur:

• itching and pain at the injection site;
• high temperature (up to 38°C);
• weakness;
• chills;
• fainting (teenagers only);
• nausea, vomiting;
• stomach upset;
• abdominal pain;
• headache.

Recently, you can find information in the press that vaccinations against human papilloma cause infertility. Statistics show that the Cervarix and Gardasil vaccines have been used in world practice for about 10 years. For 5 years they were subjected to thorough research. During all this time, not a single case of infertility caused by these drugs has been recorded. By supporting and disseminating such information, people put themselves and others at risk.

The opinion about infection with papillomavirus during vaccination is also erroneous. This vaccine is recombinant. In other words, it does not contain a virus. It contains only so-called “capsule fragments” of the virus obtained artificially.