HPV vaccination

Two types of HPV vaccine

Two types of vaccine are available for HPV vaccination in Germany: a dual vaccine (bivalent HPV vaccine) and a nine-fold vaccine (nine-valent HPV vaccine). Until August 2017, there was also a quadruple vaccine, which was replaced by the nine-fold vaccine (the two come from the same manufacturer).

Of the Dual HPV vaccine protects against infection with high-risk HPV types 16 and 18. They account for 60 to 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer.

Of the Ninefold HPV vaccine not only protects against HPV 16 and 18, but also against other high-risk types (31, 33, 45, 52 and 58) as well as the low-risk types HPV 6 and 11. The mentioned seven high-risk types account for 75 to 90 percent responsible for all cervical cancers. The two low-risk types 6 and 11 are regarded as the main trigger of genital warts (genital warts).

Because HPV vaccination reduces the major risk factor for cervical cancer, it is sometimes colloquially referred to as “cervical cancer vaccine” or “cervical cancer vaccine”. However, this name is not correct because the vaccine does not directly prevent the cancer.

Both HPV vaccines contain proteins (proteins) from the envelope of the virus (capsid). The immune system forms special antibodies against these proteins. If a person comes into contact with the actual pathogens after vaccination, the immune system can react more quickly.

Who is the HPV vaccine recommended for?

The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute recommends the HPV vaccine for all girls and boys between nine and fourteen, Missed vaccinations should at the latest until the age of 18 (ie until the last day before the 18th birthday) to be made up. The vaccine should be as possible before the first sexual intercourse done since even the first sex can lead to HPV infection.

Why the vaccination recommendation for boys?

Of course, only women can develop cervical cancer. Nevertheless, vaccination against HPV – the most important risk factor for this malignant tumor – is useful not only for girls, but also for boys, for several reasons:

• HPV vaccination may reduce the risk of penile and anal cancer as well as oropharyngeal tumors. Human papilloma viruses may be involved in the development of these cancers.
• The nine-fold vaccine against HPV protects not only girls / women from genital warts, but also boys / men.
• If boys and men do not get infected with HPV thanks to vaccination, they can not pass on viruses to their sexual partners. That is, girls also benefit when boys receive the HPV vaccine.

How does the HPV vaccine work?

For Girls and boys from 9 to 14 years A two-dose vaccination schedule is recommended: For the primary immunization, two doses of the HPV vaccine are given, at least five months apart. If less than five months are between the two doses of HPV vaccine, a third dose of vaccine should be given to complete the primary vaccination.

Also, three vaccine doses for the primary immunization are necessary when the vaccination series of HPV vaccine first from 15 years is started. The timing of each vaccine dose depends on the vaccine used. In any case, the vaccination series should be completed within one year.

It has not yet been conclusively clarified whether the HPV vaccine must be refreshed at some point after a complete primary vaccination. Previous study results indicate that the vaccine protection is still maintained in girls and women 12 years after vaccination.

Each vaccine dose of HPV vaccine is injected into a muscle (preferably the upper arm).

In women from 17 yearsIf you have not yet received HPV vaccine, it may sometimes be useful to make up for it. The treating physician will decide on a case-by-case basis after weighing the benefits and risks.

HPV vaccine: efficacy

Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of HPV vaccination. In conclusion, both HPV vaccines significantly reduce the risk of infection with the high-risk HPV 16 and 18, which are most frequently involved in the development of cervical cancer. The ninefold vaccine protects against other HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. All of these major-risk HPV types can also lead to malignant changes elsewhere (such as the vagina or anus).

Whether and how much a widely used HPV vaccine can actually reduce cervical cancer can only be estimated: both vaccines have not been used long enough.

The ninefold vaccine also prevents infection with the main trigger of the genital warts (HPV 6 and 11). This protection does not offer the dual vaccine.

The effectiveness of HPV vaccination depends on whether a girl already has HPV infection at the time of vaccination. Already with the first sexual activity one can become infected with HPV viruses. Therefore, if the HPV vaccine is already given to sexually active girls or women, it is less effective.

No substitute for check-ups!

As effective as the HPV vaccine may be, it does not provide 100% protection against cervical cancer (or other malignancies) triggers. Therefore, all women and girls who are vaccinated against HPV, should still go regularly to cancer screening for the gynecologist.

HPV vaccine: side effects

All in all, the two HPV vaccines are well tolerated. Nevertheless, it can – as with other drugs too – come to side effects. The side effects of both HPV vaccines are similar. Very common side effects of the two-fold and nine-fold vaccines are:

Other side effects sometimes occur, such as upper respiratory tract infections or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin. In response to the syringe, some adolescents also faint.

If allergic reactions to the HPV vaccine occur (such as facial swelling or respiratory problems), seek medical attention immediately. In case of known hypersensitivity to ingredients of the vaccine, the HPV vaccine should not be given.

In case of fever, the HPV vaccine should be postponed.

HPV vaccine: costs

The health insurance companies pay for HPV vaccine for girls and boys between the ages of nine and fourteen. Missed vaccinations can also be made up to the age of 18 at the expense of the health insurance company. Some coffers pay the HPV vaccination beyond this age limit.