You may have already heard about HPV (human papillomavirus) or its link to serious diseases like certain cancers and genital warts. In this article, we’ll explain how the HPV vaccine can protect you from these diseases, both in the short and long term.
What is HPV and how does it affect your health?
What is HPV?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a family of more than 200 different viruses. They are extremely common in Switzerland and around the world. It’s estimated that 85 to 90% of people contract HPV at least once in their lifetime. However, most of the time, HPV causes no symptoms, making it difficult to know if you are carrying the virus or not.
Diseases caused by HPV
While many HPV infections disapear on their own, some types can cause serious health issues for both men and women. HPV is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer, but it can also cause throat, anal, penile, and vulvar cancers. In developed countries, as much as 50% of all (cancerous) diseases of infectious origin are linked to HPV! In addition to these risks, HPV is responsible for more than 800,000 cases of genital warts in men and women across Europe.
How the HPV vaccine works
In Switzerland, Gardasil9 is currently the only available HPV vaccine. It includes the same strains covered by the previous version of Gardasil, with the addition of several extra types of the virus, thereby expanding protection. Thanks to this advancement, you can benefit from immunization against nine strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), including the two most commonly linked to precancerous lesions (HPV 16 and 18), as well as other types responsible for genital or anal infections.
This vaccine works through virus-like particles (VLPs) made from the surface components of HPV. These VLPs are non-infectious and do not replicate, as they do not contain the virus’s DNA. This method is highly immunogenic, meaning your body will produce a large number of antibodies, making the vaccine very effective. Thanks to these antibodies, you’ll be able to protect yourself against dangerous HPV types without becoming infected.
The benefits of the HPV vaccine
Why get vaccinated against HPV? You may have asked yourself this question with reason. The vaccine offers numerous advantages with very few potential side effects.
Immediate benefits of the HPV vaccine: Reduced infections
As soon as you are vaccinated, the risk of infection from the most dangerous types of HPV is significantly reduced. It directly protects you against the viruses that are most likely to cause cancer. The HPV vaccine also reduces the risk of developing ano-genital warts by 90%! These lesions are benign but can be uncomfortable.
Long-term benefits of the HPV vaccine: Cancer prevention
In the long run, the biggest benefit of the vaccine is the prevention of cancers caused by HPV. Studies show that the vaccine is highly effective at preventing these cancers, especially if you’re vaccinated before being exposed to the virus, meaning before your first sexual contact. For example, a Swedish study showed that women vaccinated before the age of 17 reduced their risk of cervical cancer by 88%. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get vaccinated if you’re older. If you’re between 17 and 30, the risk is still cut in half.
Protection offered by the HPV vaccine against cancers – the numbers:
The vaccine protects against many types of cancer by reducing the risk of being affected:
- 90% protection against cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers
- Up to 85% protection against high-risk precancerous lesions
- 90% protection against anal carcinomas
Getting vaccinated also helps you avoid invasive medical procedures, like biopsies or surgeries, which are often necessary to treat precancerous lesions. By protecting you from these lesions, the vaccine helps you avoid these stressful and potentially complicated procedures.
HPV vaccination in Switzerland – Vaccination rates and recommendations
In Switzerland, HPV vaccination is recommended for young girls and boys, ideally before the start of sexual activity. The higher the vaccination rate, the more protected we all are. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) aims for an 80% vaccination rate, but currently, only 71% of women and just 49% of men have received their two doses. So, if you’re an adult, you can get vaccinated too!
What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?
You might be wondering about the risks and side effects of the vaccine, and we get it! But rest assured, side effects are rare and short-lived.
The most common side effects include:
- Redness
- Pain at the injection site
- Temporary headaches
- Fever
In very rare cases, more serious complications like hives or allergic respiratory issues may occur. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately.
Good to know: HPV vaccine effectiveness
The vaccine and its effects are closely monitored, and after more than 20 years of use and over 270 million doses administered, no deaths have been attributed to HPV vaccination.
Sources
- Infovc – HPV – Humanes Papillomavirus
- Lei J, Ploner A, Elfström KM, Wang J, Roth A, Fang F, Sundström K, Dillner J, Sparén P. HPV Vaccination and the Risk of Invasive Cervical Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2020 Oct 1;383(14):1340-1348. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1917338. PMID: 32997908.
- National Cancer Institute – Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines
- Savoy, M. (2024, April). Impfstoff gegen Humane Papillomaviren (HPV). MSD MANUALS
- Stop HPV – Welche Nebenwirkungen hat die HPV-Impfung?
