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 HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Vaccine FAQWorldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer. Every year, about 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and around 232,000 women die of this disease. In the world, one woman dies of cervical cancer every two minutes. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in Hong Kong. In 2005, there were 376 new cases and 126 deaths recorded by the Department of Health. Approximately 70% of cervical cancer is caused by two most common viruses (HPV 16 & 18). In fact, this is a highly preventable cancer. With advancements in vaccine development, women can be protected from the HPV 16 & 18. What is HPV vaccine?HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine is a vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts due to HPV. Currently, many Western countries including USA, Canada, Australia and majority of the European Community, have already offering free HPV vaccine to girls 12 - 13 years old. These governments have seriously assessed the safety profile of the HPV vaccine and evaluated the benefits in preventing one of the most common cancer affecting women. It is important for you to be proactive in protecting yourself and your daughter. How many HPV vaccines are available in Hong Kong?
* Age indication for HPV vaccination varies from countries, for enquiries, please consult your doctor. How is the HPV vaccine being given?The vaccine is given in a series of three injections over a six-month period. The schedule as shown below,
Is the HPV vaccine effective?Gardasil is highly effective in preventing four types of HPV in young women who have not been previously exposed to HPV and preventing about 90% of genital warts. Both Gardasil and Cervarix targets HPV types that cause up to 70% of all cervical cancers. However, the HPV vaccine will not treat existing HPV infections or their complications. Is the HPV vaccine safe?The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed the vaccine as safe and effective. This vaccine has been tested in thousands of females around the world. These studies have shown no serious side effects. The HPV vaccine has similar side effects to most other available vaccines such as influenza vaccine. These side effects include: redness, tenderness and swelling of the injection site and, less commonly, fever, nausea, dizziness and headache. The use of HPV vaccine in special groups, such as pregnant women and people with low immunity is still under further research. How long does vaccine protection last?The length of vaccine protection (immunity) is usually not known when a vaccine is first introduced. So far, studies have found that vaccinated persons are protected for five years. Does it require any check up before the vaccination?HPV DNA test and pap smear check up would only indicate if a woman is infected or not. Those tests could not show the types of HPV infections. Even women who are infected to one type of HPV, the vaccine would be able to protect the women from the other type(s) of HPV diseases. Should pregnant woman be given the HPV vaccine?Women who are pregnant and planning for pregnancy are not recommended to take the HPV vaccine. Women who become pregnant after starting the series should wait until after the delivery of their baby before finishing the vaccine series. When is the best time to have the HPV vaccine?The best time to have the vaccine is before girls become sexually active, in which case, they will receive the maximum benefits from the vaccine. Many countries start their vaccination program in girls aged 12 – 13. But HPV vaccine can be given to girls as young as 9 years old.  More about Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccine  Influenza Vaccine FAQOnce I started having flu vaccine, do I need to have it every year?Having the flu vaccination is like computer having anti-virus update. You do not have to update your antivirus but if you do not, you risk catching the virus. So, it is not a must that you have flu vaccination every year. However, if you want to maintain protection, you need to have injection every year because flu virus changes regularly. Can I take the flu vaccine?Except children less than 6 months of age, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. There are some people who should not be vaccinated without consulting a physician. These include people who
Will there be any side effect after taking the flu vaccine?Some minor side effects that could occur are
What is the best time for taking the vaccine?Try to get vaccinated in November or December because flu activity in Hong Kong generally peaks between late December and March. I have taken the flu vaccine before, should I take it again this year?Flu viruses change from year to year, a vaccine made against flu viruses circulating last year may not protect against the newer viruses. Also, after you get vaccinated, your immunity to the disease declines over time and may be too low to provide protection after one year. Does the vaccine take effect immediately?No. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. How many viruses does the current flu vaccine cover?Components of 2008 – 2009 Influenza Vaccine﹕
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