HPV 9-Valent Vaccine Package For All Genders Aged 15 and Above

Cervical cancer is a disease of the female reproductive system caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) through sexual contact with an infected partner. It is not hereditary. Even if there is no family history of cervical cancer, there is still a risk.

Other contributing factors and risk behaviours include:

• Smoking, which doubles the risk of developing cervical cancer, including exposure to second-hand smoke
• Weakened immunity or infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• A history of sexually transmitted infections or current infection
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives for more than 4–5 consecutive years
• Having multiple children (three or more)
• Having children at a young age (before the age of 17)
• Avoiding regular gynaecological examinations and annual HPV screening

Most individuals infected with HPV are unaware because symptoms do not appear until later stages. Warning signs may include abnormal vaginal bleeding (not related to menstruation or occurring after menopause), pain during intercourse, or bleeding after sexual activity – all of which may be symptoms of cervical cancer.

HPV is a virus with more than 100 strains. In most cases, the body can naturally clear the infection within two years. However, if the virus persists, it can affect the cells. In particular, strains 16 and 18 are responsible for up to 70% of cervical cancer cases, while strains 6 and 11 cause genital warts. Genital warts can be treated and cured, but cervical cancer is much harder to treat once it develops and treatment costs are high.

HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, leading to infections in different parts of the body such as the mouth, throat, anus, penis, uterus, and cervix. It can occur in relationships between men and men, men and women, or women and women.

Since HPV is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, the most effective way to prevent infection is abstinence. Even with condom use, protection is not 100%. This is why the HPV vaccine was developed, which can prevent 70–90% of infections. For maximum effectiveness, the vaccine should be administered to individuals who have not yet been exposed to the virus (before their first sexual activity). The full course consists of three doses. However, regular gynaecological check-ups are still recommended at appropriate ages. (Even if sexual activity has already begun, vaccination is still possible, though effectiveness may be slightly reduced. The vaccine can also be given to men.)

Since 70% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV types 16 and 18, and about 18% by types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, both vaccines provide protection with similar effectiveness. However, the 9-valent vaccine offers broader coverage by protecting against an additional five high-risk HPV types: 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.

Nevertheless, regardless of whether the vaccine is 2-valent, 4-valent, or 9-valent, regular cervical cancer screening is still strongly recommended. This combination of vaccination and screening can help prevent more than 95% of cases.

At present, there is no recommendation for revaccination. However, if you have already received the 4-valent vaccine, it is necessary to wait at least one year before receiving the 9-valent vaccine.

HPV vaccination and gynaecological examinations are different methods of preventing cervical cancer. The vaccine helps prevent HPV infection that can cause abnormal cell changes, while internal examinations or Pap smears detect abnormal cells that may already be present. If abnormalities are found, they can be treated early before progressing to cancer. Combining vaccination with regular check-ups therefore provides dual protection and is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer.

In addition to helping prevent cervical cancer in women, the HPV vaccine can also be given to men. It helps protect against genital warts, as well as oral, throat, and anal cancers in men, while also reducing the risk of infection in women.