What is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?

Human papillomavirus infection (HPV infection) is caused by a DNA virus from the Papillomaviridae family. There are 150 types of HPV have been identified, and at least 40 of which infect the genital area. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and self-limiting. 

What causes the disease?

These infections are often transmitted sexually or through other skin-to-skin contact. Genital HPV (oncogenic high risk HPV infection HPV type 16 and 18) can result in cancer of cervical, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancer. Having a persistent oncogenic HPV infection is the risk factor for developing precancerous lesions and malignancies related to HPV. Genital warts and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis are caused by various HPV infections, such as HPV type 6 and 11. 

What is the vaccine and how is it given?

Vaccines can help protect against the strains of HPV. Three preventive HPV vaccinations are available for prevention: the bivalent (2 vHPV) vaccine, the quadrivalent (4 vHPV) vaccine, and the nonavalent (9 vHPV) vaccine. Each dose consists of 0.5 ml HPV vaccine administered through intramuscular route.

 

Who should receive the vaccine?

World Health Organisation recommends HPV vaccination (any HPV vaccine) for girls in the age group of nine to 13 years old . Girls who receive first dose of HPV vaccine before 15 years old can use a two-dose schedule. The interval between the two doses should be six months. There is no maximum interval between the two doses; however, an interval of no greater than 12 to 15 months is suggested. In Malaysia, the vaccine is given in form 1 under National Immunization Programme given at school , and if you are 13 years old, you will receive the HPV vaccine for free at any government health clinic after permission from parents or caregiver . Parents or caregivers are encouraged to take this vaccine as a preventive measure.

Reference

1. https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-vaccine-young-women.htm
2. Maharita AR and Izzuna MMG. HPV Vaccine – An Update. Technology Review. Ministry of Health Malaysia: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS); 2021. 38 p. Report No.: 016/2021. eISBN: 978-967- 2887-06-5