The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that causes the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and also the biggest cause of cervical cancer. However, there is an vaccine against the disease – see below everything that is known about the HPV vaccine.
When infecting the skin or oral, genital or anal mucous membranes, HPV is usually silent for an indefinite period of time, but it can also cause a series of visible reactions, such as warts and cancer, depending on the subtype of the virus.
It is estimated that HPV will infect 80% of the population at some point in their lives. Furthermore, it is identified in more than 99% of cases of cervical cancer, according to the Brazilian Society of Immunizations (SBIm).
HPV is also related to the appearance of lesions (malignant and benign) on the vulva, vagina, oropharynx, penis and anal canal.
These injuries are even increasing annually. Every year, millions of cases are registered with a small predominance in the male population, according to SBIm.
Therefore, immunization against existing subtypes of HPV is increasingly necessary.
The vaccine was initially developed to protect women from cervical cancer, but the increase in the number of cases in both sexes led national health programs to include the male population in prevention plans.
How many types of vaccines are there and what does it prevent?
There are two types of HPV vaccines: HPV4 (or tetravalent) and HPV9 (or nonavalent). However, only the first is available in Brazil.
The tetravalent HPV vaccine can prevent cancers related to HPV 16 and 18, of the cervix, vulva and vagina, penile cancer and oropharyngeal and anal cancers in men and women.
In addition, the tetravalent vaccine can also prevent genital warts (called condylomas) related to HPV 6 and 11.
Who should get the vaccine?
Currently, SBIm’s indication is for five groups to be immunized against HPV. Are they:
- Boys aged 11 to 14;
- Girls 9 to 14 years old;
- People with immunosuppression up to 45 years old;
- People with a vagina (cis women and trans men) up to 45 years old;
- People with a penis and with immunosuppression or who have relationships with other people with a penis, up to the age of 45, regardless of whether they live with HIV or not.
The cases identified as “immunosuppression” refer to people undergoing cancer treatment or people living with HIV.
Who can take it through the SUS?
Despite SBIm’s recommendation, only three groups can receive the HPV vaccine free of charge through the Unified Health System (SUS):
- Girls aged 9 to 14;
- Boys aged 11 to 14;
- Immunosuppressed people aged 9 to 45.
Who cannot take the vaccine?
The contraindication for the tetravalent HPV vaccine is for pregnant women and people who have an acute allergy to any of the components of the vaccine or after receiving a first dose.
How much does a dose cost in the private system?
People who cannot receive the HPV vaccine through the SUS can still go to private medical offices to be immunized.
However, the vaccine usually has a high average price, around R$700.00, which ends up making immunization unfeasible for a large part of the Brazilian population that falls into other groups.
How many doses are needed?
For complete immunization to be effective, it is necessary to take three doses of the tetravalent vaccine.
The time between one dose and another should be a few months.
