HPV vaccination - when and how to vaccinate?

Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV)

Vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV) can save lives by protecting against infection, which is a major cause of the development of dangerous diseases, including cervical cancer. This modern and effective solution is recommended not only for teenage girls and boys, but also for adults, regardless of gender. Find out why you should decide to take the HPV vaccination, the benefits of HPV protection and how to make an appointment at the Invimed clinic.

HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination - why is it important and how to benefit from it?

HPV vaccination protects against infection with the human papilloma virus. HPV can cause a range of diseases in both women and men of different ages. The most common conditions associated with HPV infection include:

• Cervical cancer - one of the most dangerous female cancers. In Poland, as many as five women die every day because of it.

• Vaginal cancer

• Cancer of the vulva - less frequently diagnosed, but no less dangerous.

• Anal cancer - affecting both men and women.

• Oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

• Condylomas - soft papules and warts that appear in intimate areas. They are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, affecting up to 9-13% of the population worldwide.

The HPV vaccine is effective in preventing disease caused by the virus.

What is HPV?

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), or human papilloma virus, is a common pathogen that is responsible for the onset of many dangerous diseases. HPV is mainly transmitted sexually, either through vaginal intercourse or oral or anal intercourse.

Worldwide, an estimated 80% sexually active people (i.e. 8 in 10 of both women and men) are in contact with the virus. In the majority, HPV infection is asymptomatic and the body deals with it on its own. However, in about 20% of those infected, the virus can persist in the body and lead to the development of serious diseases, including pre-cancerous conditions or cancer.

There are approximately 150 HPV types, some of which are particularly dangerous. The low-oncogenic types (e.g. HPV-6 and HPV-11) cause benign lesions such as condylomas and papillomas. In contrast, high-oncogenic types (e.g. HPV-16 and HPV-18) are directly linked to the development of cancers such as cervical cancer, anal cancer and oral cancer.

Most susceptible to HPV infection are young people, aged 15-25, who are just beginning sexual activity. Many people do not realise they are carrying the papilloma virus, leading to unknowing transmission. Neither a condom nor having one sexual partner eliminates the risk of HPV infection, although it can significantly reduce it.

How do I protect myself against HPV? The most effective way to protect against HPV is vaccination. The HPV vaccine is recommended especially before the start of sexual life, when the risk of infection is lowest.

HPV vaccination - why is it worth it?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can be a lifesaver, significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer and many other cancers.

The HPV vaccine is most effective in people who have not yet started a sexual life, which is why it is so important to vaccinate adolescent girls and boys. Studies show that in countries where HPV vaccination programmes have been in place for years, there has been more than 90% effectiveness in preventing persistent infection with the virus and the diseases it causes. The number of high-grade cervical pathologies has decreased by 80%, which translates into a huge advance in preventive health care. HPV vaccination is recommended not only for adolescents, but also for adults who have already started a sexual life. Even after the onset of sexual activity, the vaccine can provide protection, as people can acquire different strains of HPV during their lifetime. Therefore, age is no longer a key criterion for deciding on vaccination.

The vaccine has a preventive effect - preventing HPV infection and its consequences, but:

• does not treat an already existing HPV infection;

• does not alter the course of the infection or the diseases caused by the virus.

If the vaccinated person is already infected with certain HPV type(s), the administration of the vaccine can protect against additional infection with other virus types.

HPV vaccination is recommended for women diagnosed and treated for precancerous conditions of the cervix, as they may benefit from a lower risk of lesion recurrence.

Each dose of the human papillomavirus vaccine is highly effective in protecting against cancers associated with human papillomavirus infection. These vaccinations reduce the risk of contracting many dangerous diseases, including cervical cancer cervical cancer, anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer and other cancers associated with the virus. HPV vaccination is recognised as one of the most effective preventive health tools in the world. Their safety is confirmed by years of research and widespread use in many countries. Appropriate early vaccination can protect lifelong health - in both women and men.

HPV vaccine - what do you need to know?

In many countries, the HPV vaccine is widely used and its effectiveness is not in doubt. In regions where vaccination programmes have been introduced, the number of human papillomavirus infections has fallen by up to 90%!

In Poland, HPV vaccines have been used since 2006 and are now part of standard prophylaxis in more than 80 countries worldwide.

Three types of preparations are available in our country:

• A 2-valent vaccine (protects against two types of virus),

• A 4-valent vaccine (protects against four types of virus),

• Nine-valent vaccine (protects against nine types of virus).

Each human papillomavirus vaccine is administered in a two- or three-dose schedule, depending on the age of the patient and the type of vaccine. Although they differ in the extent of the immune response to the different types of HPV, they are all effective in protecting against the most dangerous, oncogenic strains - HPV-16 and HPV-18. The choice of the appropriate formulation should always be discussed with the doctor, who will select the vaccine individually to the patient's needs. A detailed dosing schedule can be found in the information leaflet of each preparation.

How do HPV vaccines work?

HPV vaccines contain fragments of inactivated virus that are recognised by the immune system, including specific antigens. In this way, the body 'learns' to recognise the structures specific to the virus, allowing immunity to be developed. In practice, this means that the vaccinated person is protected against infection when coming into contact with the virus carrier. Due to their structure, these vaccines are referred to as 'dead vaccines' or 'killed vaccines', which emphasises their safety and the lack of risk of infection after vaccination.

How does the human papillomavirus vaccination work?

Before the administration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, a qualifying visit is necessary. This is a standard procedure during which the specialist takes a medical history and assesses the patient's general health. In most cases, there is no need for additional diagnostic tests. Once the qualification visit has been completed, the patient can be vaccinated immediately (Vaccination should be performed within 24 hours of the qualification visit).

How does the vaccination work?

The administration of the HPV vaccine itself is a short procedure, taking just a few seconds. The procedure is completely safe, and immediately after the injection the patient can return to their daily routine. Although the vaccination is well tolerated, some people may experience slight pain or discomfort at the injection site. In addition, there is sometimes a slight redness in the area where the vaccine is administered, which usually disappears spontaneously in a short time.

HPV vaccine schedule

HPV vaccines are available in several variants, differing in the extent of protection and the timing of doses:

• A 2-valent vaccine - administered in a schedule: 0-1-6 months.

• 4-valent vaccine - given in three doses: the second dose two months after the first, and the third dose six months after the first.

• 9-valent vaccine - administered in a schedule: 0-2-6 months.

Each regimen is designed to provide optimal protection against HPV. Selection of the appropriate formulation and schedule should be consulted with your doctor during your antenatal appointment.

HPV vaccination - who should get hooked up and when?

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is mainly transmitted sexually, which makes it most effective to vaccinate people who have not yet started intercourse. In this way, it is possible to protect them from infection long before potential contact with the virus.

HPV vaccination for children and adolescents

From 1 September 2024, the Universal Free HPV Vaccination Programme included new age groups. The vaccine is now available for free to girls and boys aged 9-14 years, rather than only for 12- and 13-year-olds as before. The vaccination is fully reimbursed and provided in a two-dose schedule.

It is worth noting that although HPV is mainly associated with diseases affecting women, HPV vaccination is also extremely important for boys. This is because the virus can cause infections and serious illnesses in both sexes. In men, these can include cancers of the penis, anus and genital warts (condylomata). In addition, vaccinating boys indirectly protects women who will have intercourse with these men in the future. This breaks the chain of infection.

HPV vaccination for adults

The HPV vaccine is also recommended for adults who have not previously been vaccinated, particularly up to the age of 26. People over this age can also be at risk of contracting the virus, especially as the same type of HPV can be contracted more than once in a lifetime. Furthermore, people already infected with one type of HPV can benefit from protection against other types of the virus through vaccination.

Therefore, a sexually active person can also benefit from vaccination (this applies to both women and men). The fact that one has become sexually active does not always mean that one is infected with the virus and is not a contraindication to HPV vaccination.

HPV vaccination is not reimbursed, but is recommended by the Minister of Health in the Polish Immunization Programme. Universal HPV vaccination is also recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and international and national scientific societies (paediatrics, gynaecology and oncology).

Vaccination for cervical cancer - contraindications

The HPV vaccine is safe, well tolerated and in most cases has no side effects. The product is not administered to children under 9 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people who have demonstrated an allergy to one of the vaccine components. After administration, periodic redness, swelling, or muscle pain may occur at the prick site.

HPV vaccines are closely monitored, as they are widely used in 125 countries worldwide.

The HPV vaccine is not recommended in the following cases:

• In children under 9 years of age, as there are no data on its safety and efficacy in this age group.

• In pregnant women (it can only be given during breastfeeding if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks).

• In persons allergic to HPV vaccine components.

• In the case of an active viral infection, vaccination should be postponed (a slight fever or sub-febrile state is not a contraindication to vaccination).

• In cases of anaphylactic shock and a history of severe adverse vaccination reactions.

• In people with immunodeficiency (with caution). Although HPV vaccines are considered safe for people with immunodeficiencies (e.g. caused by HIV), the response to vaccination may be less effective. Each case should be assessed individually by the physician.

How much does the HPV vaccination cost?

Vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV) is offered at the Invimed clinic.

The price of the HPV vaccine is:

• First dose: PLN 700

In addition, a qualification visit at a cost of PLN 100 is required before the vaccine can be administered.

Current prices and vaccination availability may vary, so it is recommended that you contact your chosen Invimed facility directly for the latest information.

How do I sign up for the HPV vaccination?

To sign up for the HPV vaccination at the Invimed clinic, the patient does not need to make an appointment for the vaccination itself, only a qualifying appointment. Prior to vaccination, a signed consent form, passing the medical qualification and payment at reception are required. The vaccination should be performed within 24 hours of the qualification appointment.

Is a referral required for the HPV vaccination?

No referral is required for the administration of the HPV vaccine. However, a prerequisite for the vaccination is a qualifying visit to the clinic. During this, the qualifying person assesses the patient's general state of health, rules out contraindications to vaccination and provides detailed information on the procedure itself. Only after a positive qualification is it possible to administer the vaccine. This ensures that the vaccination process is safe and tailored to the patient's individual health needs.

Substantive consultation:

Tomasz Dworniak, MD - Medical director, Specialist gynaecologist-obstetrician