The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has emphasized the importance of vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) as an effective means of preventing cervical cancer and genital warts. The Ministry explained that certain types of this virus are a primary cause of cervical cancer in women, one of the most common cancers among women worldwide.
HPV Virus
The Ministry further clarified that HPV is transmitted through direct contact and can be spread from a person carrying the virus even if they show no symptoms. It noted that infection with certain types of the virus in women can develop over time and lead to cervical cancer, while men can also be carriers of the virus or develop genital warts, making vaccination a crucial preventative step for both sexes.
There are two types of vaccines available, one specifically for women to prevent cervical cancer, and another for both women and men to prevent genital warts and cervical cancer. Vaccination can begin as early as age 9, and the number of doses – either two or three – is determined by the individual’s age at the start of vaccination.
Vaccination Centers
The Ministry of Health stressed that the vaccine is safe and effective, with administration postponed only in cases of high fever at the time of vaccination or during pregnancy. The vaccine is available through Vacsera (Serum and Vaccine) vaccination centers, and citizens are encouraged to take advantage of vaccination to protect themselves and their children from serious health complications in the future.
HPV vaccines offer a significant opportunity to prevent cancers and related conditions caused by the human papillomavirus. The virus is a group of more than 200 related viruses, over 40 of which are spread through sexual contact. Among these, two HPV types cause genital warts, and approximately a dozen can cause cancers including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal (mouth and throat), penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
Currently, Gardasil 9 is the only HPV vaccine used in the United States, protecting against nine HPV types. This includes HPV types 6 and 11, which cause 90% of genital warts, and HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers and a significant proportion of other HPV-caused cancers. It also protects against HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, accounting for an additional 10% to 20% of cervical cancers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12, ideally before a person becomes sexually active. The vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus. For those starting the vaccine series at age 15 through 26, three doses are recommended over six months. Individuals who began the vaccine series before age 15 require only two doses, spaced 6 to 12 months apart.
Recent research suggests that even a single dose of the HPV vaccine may provide comparable protection to two doses. While this is a promising development, current recommendations from the CDC still advise the standard two- or three-dose schedule based on age at initiation.
The HPV vaccine works by enabling the body to build awareness of specific HPV strains, allowing for a more effective immune response if exposed to the virus in the future. It’s important to note that the vaccine is most effective as a preventative measure; it may not clear an existing HPV infection. Studies have shown that early vaccination does not correlate with earlier initiation of sexual activity.
While the FDA has approved the HPV vaccine for use through age 45, the CDC currently recommends vaccination for individuals through age 26 who were not adequately vaccinated earlier. The benefits of vaccination beyond age 26 are still being studied, and decisions regarding vaccination in this age group should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
The availability of the HPV vaccine through centers like Vacsera represents a significant public health initiative. Protecting against HPV-related cancers and conditions is a proactive step towards improving long-term health outcomes for both men and women. Individuals with weakened immune systems, regardless of age, should receive three doses of the vaccine for optimal protection.
