HPV Vaccination

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted virus. Certain high-risk types — especially HPV 16 and 18 — cause about 90% of cervical cancers and are also linked to cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and throat.

HPV vaccination prevents infection before exposure and is therefore a cancer-prevention vaccine, not just an infection vaccine.

Who Should Get Vaccinated (India Guidelines)

As per recommendations followed in India (IAP, FOGSI, MoHFW programs):

Primary target group

• Girls 9–14 years (best age; before sexual activity) — most effective

Catch-up vaccination

• Girls and women 15–26 years

• Can be given up to 45 years after counseling (individual benefit)

Boys

• Recommended in many guidelines (9–14 years preferred)
  Prevents transmission and protects against throat, anal, and penile cancers

Vaccination is useful even if a person is sexually active, but less effective if prior infection already exists.

Dosage Schedule

(Current practice in India including single-dose national program)

• Age 9–14 years: 2 doses (0, 6 months in private practice)

• Age≥15 years / immunocompromised3 doses (0, 2, 6 months)

Common vaccines available: quadrivalent and nonavalent HPV vaccines.

Benefits

• Prevents ~90% cervical cancers

• Prevents precancerous lesions (CIN)

• Prevents genital warts

• Reduces oral and anal cancers

• Long-lasting immunity (at least 10–15+ years protection)

• Helps community protection (herd immunity)

Important: Vaccinated women still need periodic cervical screening later in life.

Risks and Side Effects

HPV vaccine is considered very safe worldwide.

Common mild effects

• Pain or swelling at injection site

• Mild fever

• Fatigue or headache

Rare

• Fainting immediately after injection (observe 15 minutes)

• Severe allergy (extremely rare)

The vaccine does NOT affect fertility, menstruation, puberty, or future pregnancy.

Key Takeaway

HPV vaccination is one of the few vaccines that prevents cancer. The ideal time is 9–14 years before exposure, but older individuals can still benefit. Combined with screening, it can eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.