Vaccine to prevent papilloma virus

Vaccine to Prevent Papilloma Virus (HPV)

HPV Vaccines Overview

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are designed to prevent infection by certain types of HPV, which can cause genital warts and several cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. The vaccines currently available in the United States include:

1. Gardasil 9: Protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Types 6 and 11 cause genital warts, while types 16 and 18 are responsible for most cervical cancers. The remaining types also contribute to cervical and anal cancers. Vaccinating against these types could theoretically prevent over 70% of cervical cancers worldwide (RAG context).

1. Cervarix: Protects against HPV types 16 and 18.

1. Gardasil: Protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18.

How the Vaccines Work

The vaccines use virus-like particles (VLPs) made from the HPV L1 major capsid protein. These VLPs mimic the structure of the virus but contain no genetic material, so they cannot cause infection. The immune system responds to the VLPs, creating antibodies that protect against future HPV infections (RAG context).

Who Should Get the Vaccine?

• Routine Vaccination: The HPV vaccine is recommended for all boys and girls at ages 11 or 12. It can be given as early as age 9 (NCI, 2025).

• Catch-Up Vaccination: Vaccination is also recommended for those who missed it at the recommended age, up to age 26 for women and men, and up to age 45 for some individuals after discussion with a healthcare provider (Cancer.org, 2025).

Efficacy and Safety

• The vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection with the targeted HPV types when given before exposure to the virus. However, they are less effective in people already infected with these types.

• Side effects are generally mild, such as soreness at the injection site, fever, or headache. Severe side effects are rare (NCI, 2025).

Special Considerations

• Pregnancy and Immunosuppression: The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. For immunocompromised individuals, the vaccine may be less effective due to blunted immune responses (RAG context).

• Cervical Cancer Screening: Vaccination does not replace routine cervical cancer screening (e.g., Pap tests).

Neonatal Exposure and HPV

In rare cases, HPV can be transmitted perinatally from mother to child, potentially causing conditions like laryngeal papillomatosis. However, cesarean delivery does not significantly reduce this risk (RAG context).

Recent Updates

• A 2022 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that HPV vaccination has led to declines in vaccine-type infections among females in the U.S. (Rosenblum et al., 2022).

• The HPV vaccine is also being evaluated for its potential to prevent anal cancer (N Engl J Med, 2022).

Recommendations for Healthcare Workers

• Encourage patients to get vaccinated according to the recommended schedule.

• Discuss the benefits and potential side effects of the vaccine with patients and their families.

• For patients already infected with HPV, emphasize that the vaccine may still protect against other HPV types.

For more detailed information, refer to:

• NCI HPV Vaccine Fact Sheet

• Cancer.org HPV Vaccines

Would you like additional details on a specific aspect of HPV vaccination?