HPV vaccine – Gardasil 9

ABOUT THE DISEASE

Cervical cancer is the 7th most common female cancer in Hong Kong (1). There are more than 10 thousands new cases worldwide in each year and its mortality rate is high – 52% – globally. 100% of cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus that is now mostly preventable.

ABOUT THE VIRUS

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that can infect both males and females and cause serious diseases. There are more than 100 types of HPV. At least 13 of them are considered as high risk types (2) which can cause cancers, including cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer and anal cancer in both males and females, and others may affect genital area. They are mainly transmitted through sexual contact, but skin-to-skin genital contact transmission is possible.

There’s no signs or symptoms with infection of HPV. Although it may be cleared in 2 years (2) with intact immune system of the infected person, repeated infection is substantial to provoke pre-cancers or cancers. Meanwhile, there’s no medical treatment to clear such kinds of viruses in human bodies. World Health Organization (2) recommends screening tests for early detection and timely treatment of pre-cancers or cancers and vaccination is the most essential way to prevent HPV infection (3).

ABOUT THE VACCINE

Gardasil 9 HPV vaccines are currently being provided in the market. The 3 doses of Gardasil 9 should be scheduled to complete within 6 months to 12 months.

  • Gardasil 9 – for protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58

For different types of HPV counting to different cancerous or non-cancerous diseases, their correspondence is as follows approximately:

  • Types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts in both males and females
  • Types 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancer, 75% of vulvar cancer, 65% of vaginal cancer in females and 85% of anal cancer in both males and females
  • Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 cause 90% of cervical cancer, 90% of vulvar cancer, 85% of vaginal cancer in females and 90% of anal cancer in both males and females

The vaccine is approved to be safe and effective to protect against the stated HPV types. Vaccination can be given to males and females at 9 years old and above. Side effects are usually mild, including pain, redness and swelling of the injection site, dizziness, fatigue and low-grade fever. For severe discomfort, please seek for medical consultation as soon as possible.

For further enquiries or bookings for vaccination, please contact us (+852) 2779 8388.

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