The HPV vaccine is a vaccine used to protect the body from infection human papillomavirus(HPV). This vaccine can given to children who enters adolescence, both women and men, as well as to adults who have never or have not been fully vaccinated against HPV.
HPV is a virus that can cause skin infections, including genital warts. This virus can be transmitted through direct contact with the patient's skin, especially during sexual intercourse.
In addition to skin infections, the HPV virus can also cause several types of cancer in the back of the throat, base of the tongue, tonsils, and in the genital organs, such as cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus.
On recommendation World Health Organization (WHO), the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) includes the HPV vaccine in the complete basic immunization program. Although it cannot treat infection with the HPV virus, this vaccination is very useful for preventing and reducing the number of cases of genital cancer, especially cervical cancer.
HPV Vaccine Indications
The following is an explanation for the group of HPV vaccine recipients:
Children
The HPV vaccine will work better if given before a person is at risk of exposure to the HPV virus, ie before becoming sexually active or as a child.
Therefore, this vaccine should ideally be given to girls and boys aged 9–14 years. In children, the HPV vaccine needs to be given twice, with an interval of 6–12 months between vaccines.
Teens and dmature
The HPV vaccine can be given to adults who have never received or did not complete the HPV vaccine as children. The HPV vaccine can be given to adolescents aged 15 years to adults aged 26 years.
Adults aged 27–45 years can also get the HPV vaccine, but consult a doctor first. The HPV vaccine can be given to adults who are married or sexually active. However, this vaccine is not a substitute for condoms that can protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
In adolescents and adults, the HPV vaccine needs to be given 3 times. The second vaccine is given 1–2 months after the first vaccine, then the third vaccine is given 6 months after the second vaccine.
HPV Vaccine Warning
The HPV vaccine is generally not recommended or administered in people with the following conditions:
- Have or have had a severe allergic reaction to the HPV vaccine
- Have an allergy to latex or yeast
- Are pregnant, although this vaccine does not have a bad effect on pregnant women and fetuses
- Suffering from serious illness
Before Giving the HPV Vaccine
Prior to the HPV vaccination, the doctor will ask questions about the patient's medical history, allergy history, and lifestyle, including sexual activity. After that, the doctor will also explain the benefits and risks that the patient can get from receiving the HPV vaccine.
If you have received the HPV vaccine, the doctor will ask about the timing of the previous HPV vaccine, and ask if the patient has any allergies or side effects after getting the vaccine. The goal is to avoid possible allergic reactions or side effects of the HPV vaccination.
HPV Vaccine Administration Procedure
The HPV vaccine will be given by injection into a muscle (intramuscular injection), usually in the upper arm. In addition to the upper arm, doctors can also inject the HPV vaccine in the upper thigh.
The HPV vaccine will be given as much as 0.5 ml in one injection. The following are the stages of the HPV vaccination:
- The doctor will clean the area to be injected with an alcohol swab.
- The doctor will pinch the skin around the injection area with his hands.
- The doctor will inject the HPV vaccine into the muscle through the surface of the skin.
- The doctor will apply alcohol gauze to apply pressure to the injection site when the needle is removed to prevent bleeding.
Children and young women will be notified when the HPV vaccination is necessary. This notification is usually delivered through the school or by a doctor. Parents whose daughters have received the first dose of HPV vaccine but missed the second dose should immediately inform their doctor.
After Giving the HPV Vaccine
After giving the HPV vaccine, patients are advised to rest for 15 minutes after the injection. The goal is to monitor the condition and anticipate possible side effects.
Although HPV vaccination can prevent cervical cancer, vaccination recipients are still advised to take other preventive measures, such as:
- Avoiding sexual activity in adolescence or before marriage
- Don't change partners
- Using a condom
- Avoiding sexual relations with someone whose history of sexual activity is unknown
- Avoid smoking
- Undergo PAP smear regularly after being sexually active
Risks of Giving the HPV Vaccine
Although rare, the HPV vaccine can cause the following side effects:
- Pain at the injection site
- Redness at the injection site
- Swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tired and limp
- Muscle or joint pain
To avoid dangerous side effects, contact your doctor immediately if you have complaints in the form of:
- Swelling of the face and throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Itching all over the body
- Dizziness or lightheadedness