Recombinant Protein Vaccine Type | Usage | Precautions | Side Effects
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a DNA virus of the family papillomaviridae.
- About 170 strains of the virus are identified so far. Approximately 40 of these are transmitted sexually; these are classified into high-risk viruses (types 16, 18) which cause genital and oropharyngeal cancers and low-risk viruses (types 6, 11) which cause genital and skin warts. Non-sexual transmission is uncommon and includes intrapartum transmission from mother to newborn.
- HPV primarily establishes infection in the keratinocyte layer of skin and mucous membranes.
Vaccine Type
- Recombinant protein vaccine
Available as
- HPV4: a quadrivalent vaccine containing four HPV type-specific VLPs (virus-like particles) prepared from the L1 proteins of HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18.
- HPV2: a bivalent vaccine containing two HPV type-specific VLPs prepared from the L1 proteins of HPV 16 and 18.
- Both vaccines are given IM, preferably in the deltoid muscle.
Usage
- Routine immunization at 11-12 years of age:
- Routine vaccination against HPV is recommended at age 11-12 years.
- Females should be vaccinated with either HPV4 or HPV2, while males should be vaccinated with HPV4.
- Both vaccines are given in a 3-dose schedule as: 0, 1-2 months, 6 months.
- The first dose can be given as early as 9 years of age.
- 13-26 years:
- Vaccination is recommended for females 13-26 years of age, and males aged 13-21 years who have not received or completed routine immunization.
- Men aged 22-26 years may also be vaccinated.
Precautions
Contraindicated in:
- Patients who had severe allergic reaction to previous dose of the vaccine.
- Patients who are allergic to any component of the vaccine (e.g. Yeast in case of HPV4, and latex in case of HPV2).
- Vaccination of persons with moderate or severe acute illnesses should be deferred until after the patient improves.
- Although no adverse events regarding pregnancy or fetal outcome have been reported, HPV vaccines are not recommended for use in pregnant women. If a women becomes pregnant during the course of vaccination, further doses should be delayed until after the completion of pregnancy.
Precautions:
- HIV-positive individuals are recommended to receive vaccination as per the recommended age guidelines, however the immune-response induced in the body may be lower than other people.
- Post-vaccination syncope is a known adverse effect of the vaccine. A person should be observed for at least 15 min after vaccination.
- HPV vaccine does not eradicate or treat pre-existing malignant or non-malignant lesions.