Human papillomavirus
(HPV) vaccination

Human papillomavirus is one of the most common diseases affecting people. Today, there is no doubt that HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer.

About 80% of women are infected with one or another type of HPV by the age of 50. Half of them are infected with high-risk oncogenic types that provoke the development of cervical cancer.

To date, more than 600 strains of the papillomavirus have been studied. Most of them are asymptomatic; 40 strains cause the appearance of genital warts, common warts, and papillomas. Some actively contribute to the development of cancer. Two types of the virus (16 and 18) are most relevant in the progression of precancerous conditions and cervical cancer.

Given the widespread prevalence and danger of HPV, efforts have been made to find a way to protect against it. The most reliable method has proven to be vaccination against human papillomavirus. The Oxford Medical clinic uses the high-quality Belgian vaccine Cervarix for immunization.

The most effective method of preventing cervical dysplasia and cancer is HPV vaccination. Currently, vaccines have been developed primarily targeting HPV types 16 and 18, although they also provide cross-protection against several other types.

The main groups recommended for vaccination are:

• Girls before the onset of sexual activity;

• Sexually active women who are not yet infected with the virus.

Vaccination is carried out according to standard protocols. Sexually active women must first undergo consultation and examination by a gynecologist. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly in the shoulder three times (at 0, 1, and 6 months).

Immunity lasts for up to 8 years. The most common side effect is temporary discomfort and redness at the injection site.

The vaccine induces immunity by producing protective antibodies before exposure to the virus. However, the vaccine does not offer protection if a woman is already infected with HPV, so it is important to get vaccinated before initiating sexual activity, which increases the risk of infection.

The main side effects of the vaccine include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Additionally, temporary symptoms such as headache, nausea, skin rash, itching, and fever may occur.

The vaccine is not administered to patients with known hypersensitivity to its components. It is also contraindicated in individuals who experienced an anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine. The vaccine is not given to patients with a fever — in such cases, vaccination is postponed until recovery. Minor cold symptoms (such as runny nose or cough) are not considered contraindications for injection.