HPV Vaccination in India

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is primarily spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. It is typically transmitted through:

a.      Sexual Contact: HPV is most commonly transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. This is why it is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Even if a person has no visible warts or symptoms, they can still carry and transmit the virus.

b.      Non-Sexual Contact: HPV can also be spread through non-sexual contact with infected skin or mucous membranes. This can include touching warts on an infected person's skin, or in the case of genital HPV, sharing towels, clothing, or other personal items with an infected person.

c.      Mother-to-Child Transmission: In rare cases, an infected mother can transmit HPV to her baby during childbirth.

It's important to note that while condoms and dental dams can reduce the risk of HPV transmission during sexual contact, they do not provide complete protection because the virus can infect areas not covered by these barriers.

HPV is highly prevalent and ranks as one of the most common sexually transmitted viral infections. Research indicates that nearly 80% of adults who have not been vaccinated will experience an HPV infection at some stage in their lives. Globally, approximately 690,000 individuals are diagnosed with specific HPV-related cancers annually. Hence, protection against HPV is very important.

HPV is highly prevalent and ranks as one of the most common sexually transmitted viral infections in India. Did you know nearly 80% of sexually active adults who are not vaccinated will get HPV at some point in their lives?  Every year, over 125,000 people are diagnosed with HPV-related cancers in India, tragically resulting in roughly 75,000 deaths. HPV is indeed a common and a major public health concern in India, causing significant burden of disease. It's the primary cause of cervical cancer, the second most frequent cancer among women in India.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers represent the second most common cancer among women in India, following breast cancer. Every five minutes, one patient dies of HPV cancer in India.

Statistics indicate that approximately 6.6% of women in the general Indian population are estimated to have cervical HPV infections at any given time. This infection incidence tends to increase between the ages of 30 and 34, peaking at 55-65 years, with a median age of 38 years.

Tragically, India contributes to nearly a quarter of the world's cervical cancer fatalities.

HPV-related cancers in men are less common than in women, but they do occur. The most common HPV-related cancer in men is anal cancer, followed by penile cancer and oropharyngeal (throat and mouth) cancer.

Many people with HPV do not experience any symptoms and may not even be aware that they have the virus. In fact, most people with HPV have no signs or symptoms at all. However, in some cases, HPV can cause health problems that may be noticeable.

Some types of HPV can cause genital warts, which are flesh-colored growths on or around the genitals or anus. These warts can be flat or raised, single or multiple, and may be small or large. They may also be itchy or painful and can be transmitted through sexual contact.

In some cases, HPV can also cause changes in the cells of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina), which can lead to cervical cancer. However, these changes typically do not cause any symptoms until the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage.

It can take a span of 3 to 7 years for specific alterations in cervical cells to progress into cancer. Studies have demonstrated that cells infected with HPV may evolve into cancerous tumours a decade or more after infection, and in some cases, even longer.

HPV is usually diagnosed through a Pap test or an HPV test. A Pap test involves collecting cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope to look for any abnormalities. An HPV test looks for the presence of the virus in the cells. Your gynaecologist can help you decide which test is right for you.

Anyone who is sexually active can potentially be at risk for getting an HPV infection. However, certain factors may increase an individual's risk of getting an HPV infection, including:

Age: Younger individuals who are not yet sexually active may be at lower risk for getting an HPV infection.

Number of sexual partners: Having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of exposure to HPV.

Unprotected sex: Not using a barrier method, such as a condom, during sexual activity can increase the risk of HPV transmission.

Weakened immune system: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, may be at higher risk for HPV infection and related health problems.

Family history: Women with a family history of cervical cancer may be at higher risk for developing the disease.

Smoking: Smoking can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing cervical cancer in those with HPV.

Cervical cancer is considered the most serious potential complication of an HPV infection, particularly with high-risk types of the virus that persist over time. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are associated with high-risk HPV types. Globally, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with over 470,000 new cases and 233,000 deaths estimated each year. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types has also been linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, and anus, although these types of cancer are much less common than cervical cancer.

Gay and bisexual men have a significantly higher risk of developing anal cancer due to HPV infection, which can be up to 17 times greater than the risk for heterosexual men. Men with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV, are also at higher risk. In rare cases, low-risk HPV infections can be transmitted during birth and may result in respiratory tract warts in infants and children.

It's important to note that while HPV infections can lead to serious health problems, including cancer, many people with HPV do not develop any symptoms or health issues.

There is no cure for genital HPV infection, but in most cases, the virus goes away on its own without causing any lasting health problems. For many people with HPV, the infection will clear up within 1-2 years, and the body's immune system will take care of the virus.

If HPV does cause health problems, such as genital warts or changes in the cells of the cervix, these can be treated. Warts can be removed through various methods, including freezing or burning them off, applying topical medications, or using laser therapy.

It's important to note that even if genital warts or abnormal cervical cells are successfully treated, the underlying HPV infection may still be present and can potentially cause further health problems in the future.

Yes, there are ways to prevent HPV. The best way to prevent HPV is to get vaccinated. Vaccination and safe sex practices can help reduce the risk of getting or spreading HPV. Regular screenings and check-ups with a healthcare provider can help detect and treat any potential complications.

The recommended age to get vaccinated for HPV is ideally between the ages of 9 and 26, before becoming sexually active and having a chance to be exposed to the virus. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females.

For individuals who have missed getting vaccinated during this age range, catch-up vaccination is recommended up to age 45 for females and age 26 for males.

The recommended schedule for HPV vaccination depends on the age at which the vaccine is first administered.

For individuals aged 9-14 years, two doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended, with the second dose given 6 to 12 months after the first dose.

For individuals aged 15-26 years for males and 15-45 years of females, three doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended. The second dose is given 1-2 months after the first dose, and the third dose is given 6 months after the first dose.

It's important to follow the recommended schedule and complete the full series of doses for the vaccine to be most effective. Catch-up vaccination is also available for individuals who missed getting vaccinated during the recommended age range.

Human Papillomavirus vaccine is well-tolerated and generally doesn’t contribute to any serious health issues. The typical side effects are usually mild and include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, or muscle or joint pain. However, these problems are not severe and tend to resolve on their own.

There is currently no scientific evidence to support the claim that the HPV vaccine can cause fertility problems. On the other hand, not getting vaccinated for HPV can increase the risk of developing HPV-related cancers. Persistent HPV infection with high-risk strains can lead to cervical cancer in women, and the treatment for cervical cancer, such as hysterectomy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, can result in infertility. Additionally, treatment for cervical pre-cancer can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as preterm delivery or other cervical problems. Therefore, getting vaccinated against HPV can help reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer and related fertility issues caused by the disease and its treatment.

No, the HPV vaccine is not only for girls. The vaccine is recommended for both males and females.

Vaccinating boys and men is also important for preventing the spread of HPV and related health problems, such as genital warts and certain types of cancer. HPV can be passed between sexual partners regardless of gender, so vaccinating both males and females can help reduce the overall transmission and prevalence of the virus.

There is currently no need for individuals to undergo screening before getting vaccinated for HPV. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females, ideally between the ages of 9 and 26, before they become sexually active and have a chance to be exposed to the virus. The vaccine is effective at preventing infection with the most common types of HPV that can lead to health problems, including cancer.

However, it's important for individuals who are already sexually active to still get vaccinated, as they may not have been exposed to all the HPV types covered by the vaccine. Additionally, regular screenings and check-ups with a healthcare provider, such as Pap tests for females, are important for detecting any potential complications related to HPV, such as abnormal cell changes or cancer.

All available HPV vaccines have been proven to be highly effective in preventing infection with the HPV types that they target. Clinical studies have demonstrated that all vaccines can prevent almost 100% of the precancerous cervical cell changes that are caused by the targeted HPV types for more than 10 years after vaccination. This means that the vaccines can provide long-term protection against HPV-related health problems. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of the vaccines can vary depending on various factors, such as the age of the individual at the time of vaccination and their overall health status. Additionally, the vaccines do not protect against all types of HPV, so regular cervical cancer screenings are still recommended for early detection of any potential health issues.

Yes. Although the vaccination works best when it is taken before a person is sexually active and exposed to HPV, vaccination can still reduce the risk of getting HPV for people who have already been sexually active. If you have had sex, you may already be infected with one or more types of HPV, but the vaccine may still protect you against HPV types you to not have yet. Studies have demonstrated that only 0.4% of women are exposed to the four most prevalent HPV serotypes (6,11,16 and 18) and 99.6% of sexually active women may still benefit from the vaccine.

Yes, women who have been vaccinated against HPV still need to undergo regular cervical cancer screening, such as a Pap test or an HPV test, as the vaccines do not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. While the vaccines are highly effective against the types of HPV they target, they do not provide complete protection against all HPV types that may lead to cervical cancer. Therefore, it's important for women to continue to undergo regular cervical cancer screening, even if they have received the HPV vaccine. This allows for early detection and treatment of any abnormalities or precancerous changes in the cervix, improving the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

HPV vaccines available in India are of two types: quadrivalent (4 strains) and nine-valent (9 strains) vaccine. Both vaccines are safe and efficacious. Almost 140 countries/territories globally have a National HPV Vaccination Program. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, too has recommended to include HPV vaccination as part of the Universal Immunization Program.

The nine-valent HPV vaccine provides broader protection compared to the quadrivalent vaccine due to its wider coverage of HPV serotypes. However, it's worth noting that the nine-valent vaccine typically comes at a higher cost compared to the four-valent vaccine.

You can get the HPV vaccination by making an appointment with your doctor. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment at your nearest INVC Vaccination centre or request a home visit by the INVC Vaccination team to receive the vaccine at your convenience.