HPV vaccination package (3 doses of vaccine)

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. An important factor in its development is infection with HPV (Human Papillomavirus), as well as e.g. smoking, an unhealthy lifestyle or many natural births. There are more than 100 types of HPV - some of them can cause benign lesions, e.g. in the form of skin warts, others lead to the development of malignant tumours. HPV vaccination protects against these conditions.

Why is it worth getting vaccinated

Infection with certain types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer, genital warts (condyloma) and cancer of the larynx.

Only a few HPV subtypes are responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer, primarily types 16 and 18, as well as 31, 33 and 45. These are viruses with a high oncogenic risk, i.e. favouring the development of cancer.

In contrast, HPV types with low oncogenic potential, such as 6 and 11, are the main cause of condyloma (i.e. the warts that appear on the genitals). HPV infection can also lead to cancers of the anus, mouth, throat, vagina, vulva, and penis.

Many people are unaware that they are carriers of the HPV virus. It can infect both men and women, and because it is often asymptomatic, infected people can unknowingly transmit it to their partners.

Infection occurs mainly through sexual contact, often at an early stage of sexual activity. Therefore, vaccination against HPV is most effective when done before intercourse begins.

It is estimated that up to 50-80% of sexually active people have had or will have contact with HPV during their lifetime.

Cervical cancer is one of the cancers that can be effectively prevented by the available preventive measures - vaccination and cytological examinations. Early detection of the disease allows for complete cure.

Vaccination against HPV stimulates the body to produce immunity, thus preventing infection. As a result, the risk of cervical cancer is significantly reduced.

Vaccination is recommended by the Minister of Health as part of the Immunisation Programme and recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and numerous scientific organisations in paediatrics, gynaecology and oncology.

HPV vaccine

The nine-valent HPV vaccine protects against nine types of the virus: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, seven of which are responsible for nearly 90% of cervical cancer cases.

The vaccine also prevents genital warts (condyloma) and cancers and precancerous lesions of the vulva, vagina, cervix and anus that can be caused by HPV infection.

Vaccine:

• is intended for children over 9 years of age and adults,
• administered at a young age protects against HPV for up to 50 years,
• administered up to the age of 14 years results in full immunization after only 2 doses, while 3 doses are needed for full immunization in persons over 15 years of age.

Vaccination schedule

The vaccination schedule depends on the age of the vaccinated person.

In adolescents over 15 years of age and adults, a 3-dose regimen applies: the second dose should be given at least one month after the first dose, and the third dose should be given at least 3 months after the second dose. All 3 doses should be given within 1 year.

The package includes:

• 3 doses of HPV vaccine,
• 3-fold administration of the vaccine.

Patients who do not have care at Medicover pay extra for vaccination eligibility visits, each time before the next dose is administered.

1. First select the city and Medical Centre where you wish to have the vaccination.
   NOTE: The package does not include qualifying visits for the vaccination. Patients who do not have it guaranteed in their care plan purchase the qualification separately.
2. Once you have paid for your vaccination package, arrange a vaccination eligibility visits. This is necessary before any vaccination is administered. The vaccination takes place immediately after the qualifying visit.
   You can purchase and arrange a visit at the reception of a Medicover Centre or by telephone by calling the helpline: +48 500 900 550.
3. If the doctor does not qualify you for vaccination, you have to make another qualifying appointment on the date indicated by the doctor. Another such appointment is charged extra (unless you have it in the care package in your current subscription).

What is worth knowing about vaccination

In adults and adolescents over 15 years of age, a 3-dose regimen applies: the second dose should be given at least one month after the first dose, and the third dose should be given at least 3 months after the second dose 2. All 3 doses should be given within 1 year. The entire vaccination cycle should be carried out with the same preparation. If a 2-valent or 4valent preparation is not available, the vaccination cycle can be completed with a 9-valent preparation. If subsequent doses are administered later than recommended, the vaccination cycle should be completed as soon as possible. It is not necessary to start the entire vaccination cycle from the beginning or to repeat doses.

Administration of the vaccine

No special preparation is required before vaccination. The vaccine is given intramuscularly - usually in the shoulder muscle or upper anterolateral thigh. It can be given at the same time as other vaccinations, if the doctor deems it safe to do so during the vaccination appointment.

Contraindications to vaccination

The vaccine should not be administered in cases of:

• allergy to the active substance or to any of the excipients,
• the occurrence of an allergic reaction after a previous dose,
• under 9 years of age.

If a person eligible for vaccination has an acute, severe infection running with a high fever, the vaccination should be postponed until a later date. On the other hand, mild infections, such as a cold or slight fever, are not a contraindication to vaccination.

IMPORTANT! Vaccination does not replace regular cytological examinations or other methods of prevention of HPV infection and sexually transmitted diseases. In patients over 25 years of age, liquid cytology (LBC) with HPV genotyping is recommended.

HPV vaccination in the context of an abnormal cytology result

If the cytology result is abnormal and suggests the presence of lesions associated with HPV infection, the indications for vaccination may vary depending on the patient's condition and the type of lesions detected in the cytology. In the case of abnormal cytology results (e.g. ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL):

• HPV infection and cytology changes. Vaccination with a 9-valent preparation should still be considered if the patient has abnormal changes (any abnormality related to cell division and structure!) in cytology or HPV has been detected. Vaccination does not remove the existing infection, but promotes immunity and helps the already existing lesions to heal themselves. It also provides protection against the other HPV types that the vaccination covers.
• The role of vaccination in cytological lesions. Studies indicate that vaccination of a person with an abnormal cytology result can help prevent future infection with other HPV types and reduce the risk of further development of lesions (including cancer). Nevertheless, it is important that people with abnormal cytology results are properly monitored and treated according to current medical guidelines, as vaccination is not a substitute for treatment of lesions already detected.