In today’s world, every infectious disease has a cure that can reduce the suffering of many people and provide them with a renewed sense of hope and purpose to carry out their lives in better condition. Human papillomavirus is no exception and is known for triggering other significant health problems such as genital warts and cervical, anal, and throat cancer. Despite reducing severity of symptoms on its own, the growing medical community has discovered various types of vaccines that help us to strengthen immune systems to prevent its further development. 

What Do You Need to Know About HPV?

HPV consists of more than 200 viruses and 40 different categories that can be carried through skin contact. As HPV doesn’t produce many symptoms, that leads to patients believing that they are not infected. On the other hand, recurrent infection with high-risk HPV strains, especially type 16 and type 18, can result in cancer forming over time. Most vulnerable patients are those who are sexually active and involved with multiple partners. 

Critical Role of HPV Immunization

  • Cancers that are induced by HPV exposure can take many years to show their symptoms, which restricts the variety of treatments available. 

  • Vaccines are effective, as they prepare the immune system to identify and prevent HPV from causing the life-threatening effects of an infection with the help of newly developed antibodies. 

  • It is recommended that individuals at a young age should be vaccinated against such infections. 


Groups Prioritized for Vaccination

  • Children belonging to the age group of 9-12 years, which is considered as the ideal time period for vaccination. 

  • Teenagers and young adults for those who are still not vaccinated. 

  • Adults who are in their late thirties and early forties are advised to get vaccinated depending on various risk factors. 

HPV Vaccines: Types and Variants 

Types

Target area 

Notable Feature

 

Gardasil

 

 

 

 


Nine HPV types: 6,11,16,18,31,33,45,52 and 58 

Focuses on low type infection such as genital warts and high risk types.  Effective for males, females, preteens and upto 45 years old. 

Gardasil-9

 

Two high risk types that causes cervical cancer (16 & 18) and low risk types (6 & 11) 

First vaccine to fight off HPV dual types. 

Cervarix

 

 


HPV types: 16 & 18 

Allowed        to be used for females and treating cervical cancer 


Conclusion 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) affects millions of people and can worsen their health without displaying any symptoms that can hinder the effectiveness of the treatment. HPV vaccines such as Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix prove to be life-saving for many patients, as they protect them against both high-risk variants such as cervical cancer and low-type risks. It is suggested that starting from early age groups, the individuals who are in their early forties should get vaccinated to reduce the aftermath of its consequences.