SUPERStudy: HPV Vaccine 

By usmlevideoss

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually acquired infection in the world. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a preventive measure aimed at reducing the incidence of HPV-related diseases, including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, and other cancers, as well as genital warts. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and certain high-risk types (e.g., HPV-16 and HPV-18) are strongly associated with cancer development.

Mechanism of Action: The vaccine contains virus-like particles (VLPs) that mimic the HPV capsid but lack genetic material, making it non-infectious. It induces a robust immune response, generating neutralizing antibodies to prevent HPV infection.

Types of HPV Vaccines:

1.Gardasil 9 (9-valent): Protects against 9 HPV types: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58; covers types responsible for about 90% of cervical cancers and genital warts.

2.Earlier Versions (Now Replaced in Most Regions): 

Gardasil (4-valent): Covered HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18.

Cervarix (2-valent): Covered HPV types 16 and 18. 

Indications 

1.Routine Vaccination:

Recommended for both males and females.

Ideal age: 11–12 years (can be given as early as 9 years).

Catch-up vaccination recommended up to age 26.

2.Adults 27–45 years: May benefit from vaccination after shared decision-making based on risk factors (e.g., new or multiple sexual partners).

Dosing Schedule 

1.Age 9–14 years: 2 doses (6–12 months apart).

2.Age 15–26 years or Immunocompromised Individuals: 3 doses (at 0, 1–2, and 6 months).

Efficacy 

1.High Effectiveness: Prevents over 90% of HPV-related cancers and genital warts if administered before HPV exposure, thus before they become sexually active. 

2.Herd Immunity: Widespread vaccination reduces HPV prevalence, protecting unvaccinated individuals.

Duration of immunity: is not yet known

Safety and Side Effects 

1.Common Side Effects:

  • Injection site pain, swelling, and redness.
  • Mild fever or headache.

2.Rare Reactions:

  • Syncope (adolescents should be observed for 15 minutes post-vaccination).
  • Hypersensitivity reactions.

Contraindications:

1.Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine component.

2.Pregnancy (vaccination should be deferred; breastfeeding is not a contraindication).

SUPERPoint: HPV vaccine effectively prevents over 90% of HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, when administered before HPV exposure.

 

SUPERFormula: It prevents HPV-related cancers (cervical, anal, oropharyngeal) and genital warts + Recommended for males and females aged 11–12 years, with catch-up vaccination up to 26 years + Gardasil 9 covers 9 HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) + Administered as 2 doses (age 9–14) or 3 doses (age 15–26 or immunocompromised) = HPV Vaccine.