Papillomavirus vaccine

| Papillomavirus is a virus responsible for genital warts and some cancers of the genital and anal area. They are a group of more than 100 viruses. Of these 100 viruses, about 30 can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact.

Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus it is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Serotypes 16 and 18 are the main cause of cervical cancer. For this to occur, there must be a prolonged infection by it along with other factors. Serotypes 6 and 11 produce 90% of genital warts.

Prevention and vaccine

The condom does not offer safe protection against HPV, because the parts not covered by the condom can become infected with the virus.

The only way to prevent cervical cancer is to prevent HPV infection. Vaccination against the papilloma virus is effective and safe to avoid infection. It should be administered before starting sexual intercourse in girls, around 11-12 years of age.

There are two vaccines available, one with serotypes 16 and 18 and the other with four serotypes: 6, 11, 16 and 18. In both commercial brands, three doses are administered in a period of six months.

These vaccines do not protect against all infections that cause cervical cancer. It is important that women who are vaccinated follow the usual controls by the gynecologist ().

Papillomavirus vaccines are safe and effective vaccines and could reduce the number of deaths from cervical cancer worldwide by up to two-thirds if all women were vaccinated and if the protection was long-term.

The duration of immunity is not yet known, it is under study to determine if booster doses will be needed in the future.

The best thing is prevention and they include a complete Preventive Medicine Program to take care of the health of the little ones.

Pediatric Specialist