• 9 to 26 years old girls/women preferably before onset of sexual activity

Nature of the vaccine

•  Prophylactic vaccine developed to prevent about 70% of cervical cancer by preventing infection by two high risk HPV types 16 and 18

•  Main ingredients are highly purified inactive proteins from Human Papillomavirus Types 6, 11, 16 and 18; inactive ingredients include aluminum, sodium chloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium borate, and water for injection

•  Most effective in women who have never been exposed to HPV types 16 and 18 infections

•  Near 100% effective in preventing precancerous changes (CIN) caused by HPV types 16 and 18

•  Protects against 90% of HPV 6 and 11 related genital warts

•  Cannot prevent infection by HPV types other than HPV 6, 11, 16, 18

•  The remaining 30% to 50% of precancerous lesions (high grade CIN) are caused by other HPV types which are not protected by the vaccine

•  There is no therapeutic effect on existing abnormal cervical smear tests, HPV infection or genital warts. Therefore vaccination of these females is currently not recommended based on uncertain benefit

•  Soreness, swelling, bleeding, redness or itching at the injection site

•  Fever and headache

•  Very rarely, bronchospasm

•  Allergy

•  Persons with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to yeast or any component of HPV vaccine

•  Pregnancy

•  Persons with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder

•  Any illness with a fever higher than 100 0 F/37.8 0 C

•  Weakened immune system, for example due to a genetic defect or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection

•  Should complete 3 doses of injection at 0, 2 and 6 months to get full protection

•  Should practise reliable contraception before completion of 3 doses

•  Should continue to have regular smear tests from cervical smear screening programme to detect any abnormal changes caused by other high risk HPV types

•  Current data showed that the vaccine should be protective for at least 5 years, the need for a booster injection is not yet known

•  Other ways to prevent cervical cancer include leading a healthy life style (such as having a balanced diet and avoiding smoking) and practicing safe sex (such as using condom and having a single sexual partner).

Questions and Answers for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine

Charges

Cervical screening programme, Department of Health, HKSAR