Did you know that if you’re sexually active, you have an 85-90% chance of being infected with HPV? But there is a solution available in Switzerland, and it’s potentially free: vaccination! Vaccination is one of the main ways of avoiding infection. Well, in terms of protection, there’s also abstinence. But we doubt that’s the most popular solution! So how effective is HPV vaccination? And who is eligible? We answer everything in this article dedicated to HPV vaccination!
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus that can affect both men and women, often asymptomatic and complicating early detection. Although condoms provide partial protection by covering some areas, unprotected skin can still serve as an entry point for the virus. Certain high-risk strains of HPV can lead to serious complications, such as cervical, throat, and genital cancers, making prevention through vaccination, regular screening, and education on safe sexual practices essential to reducing these risks.
How to avoid HPV infection?
There are several ways to reduce the risk of HPV infection.
- Abstinence completely eliminates exposure to the virus, though it may not be a feasible option for everyone.
- Vaccination is the most effective method, offering robust protection against the most dangerous HPV strains.
- Additionally, regular health check-ups—including smear tests for women—are crucial for early detection of any HPV-related abnormalities, allowing for timely intervention.
HPV vaccination: Reasons why you should get vaccinated
Vaccination is the most effective form of protection against HPV, ideally administered between the ages of 11 and 14—before individuals become sexually active. This early immunization ensures that the immune system is well-prepared to combat the virus before any potential exposure occurs. But you can also get vaccinated if you’re an adult!
Also, it’s a common misconception that HPV only affects women… but that’s not true—men are at risk as well.
The HPV vaccine provides robust protection by targeting approximately 90% of the high-risk HPV types that can lead to cancers, including cervical, throat, and genital cancers. It also covers low-risk HPV strains, which are responsible for around 90% of genital wart cases.
Although the vaccine does not provide 100% protection against HPV infection, it does cover the majority of complications. The risk of infection falls sharply when all sexual partners are vaccinated.
In Switzerland, vaccination is free up to the age of 26. The condition is that the vaccination must be carried out as part of the cantonal vaccination programs.
How can I get the HPV vaccine?
Vaccination offers numerous long-term benefits. It is best to receive the HPV vaccine before your first sexual encounter for optimal protection. However, if you are already sexually active or have experienced an HPV infection, there’s no need to worry—the vaccine can still reduce your risk of acquiring new infections by protecting against additional strains of the virus. In a nutshell, despite you’ve already been infected with HPV, you can still get vaccinated.
The Federal Office of Public Health recommends that all young adults up to the age of 26 should be vaccinated. You can book an appointment with your general practitioners, gynecologist or even in your preferred pharmacy.
To make vaccination more accessible, OneDoc is taking the lead! Booking an appointment for a papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is just a few clicks away.
Or simply type ‘HPV’ in the search bar and you’ll be redirected to a full list of health professionals offering this vaccination.
