The HPV vaccine is a vaccine that protects against disease caused by the human papilloma virus. There are more than 200 types of HPV, of which more than 40 are sexually transmitted.
According to data from the US Center for Disease Control (US CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 91% of men and 85% of women have been infected with HPV at least once in their lives, thereby confirming that HPV is very contagious.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
Currently, there are 2 popular HPV vaccines: Gardasil 4 strains and Gardasil 9 strains originating from the US. Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against 9 common HPV virus types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 that cause cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, genital warts, precancerous or dysplastic lesions... with a protective effect of up to 90%. Of which, viruses 16 and 18 have a high risk of causing cervical cancer of up to 70%.
On May 9, 2024, the Ministry of Health officially approved the expansion of the age range for HPV vaccination from 9 to 45 years old, including both men and women.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Minh, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Thien An Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, said that HPV vaccination is to prevent diseases in humans, so both men and women should be vaccinated. Due to some viewpoints, HPV is only injected for women to prevent cervical cancer, but men can also get diseases through sexual intercourse.
According to the latest regulations of the Ministry of Health, children aged 9 can be vaccinated against the disease and women past their childbearing age should still be vaccinated. According to clinical research, children aged 9 to 14 years old is the best time to get vaccinated due to the strong immune response. The earlier the HPV vaccination, the more effective it is, especially the vaccine is most effective on children who have not been exposed to or infected with the HPV virus.
To date, there is no safety data on HPV vaccination for pregnant women, so this is not an indicated subject. Therefore, you must complete the HPV vaccination course 1 to 3 months before pregnancy.
HPV virus is the leading cause of cervical cancer
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 95% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the HPV virus. Therefore, the risk of HPV infection is highest in people of active, sexually active, and reproductive age.
Cervical cancer is currently the 4th most common cancer in the world, especially second only to breast cancer in terms of diseases that women are susceptible to during their reproductive age.
Should 45 year olds get the HPV vaccine?
According to the American Cancer Society's estimate of cervical cancer in 2024, there will be approximately 13,820 cases of cervical cancer recorded, including 4,360 deaths. Accordingly, the age range most often detected with cervical cancer is from 35 to 44, and the average age is 50.
The process of forming cervical cancer takes place silently for 10 to 30 years, then breaks out into a disease. According to recorded facts, more than 90% of cervical cancer cases come from HPV. Therefore, it is never too late to get vaccinated against HPV, even at the age of 45.
Does HPV vaccination at age 45 affect effectiveness?
According to experts, the HPV vaccine is still 90% effective for people in the age group indicated for vaccination. Of course, the group of children from 9 to 26 years old will be most effective due to their strong immune system. However, for people aged 45, the HPV vaccine does not mean it is less effective.
For this age group, doctors prescribe Gardasil 9 injection to prevent 9 strains of HPV virus, which will provide maximum disease prevention, helping to limit infection with HPV strains.
