HPV vaccine
This is a vaccine that prevents human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (※1), which is related to the development of cervical cancer. Approximately 90% of cases can be prevented (※2) by getting vaccinated before the first sexual encounter. Any woman who has had sexual intercourse can become infected with HPV.
- 1 Human papillomavirus (HPV) is involved in the development of diseases such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, and vaginal cancer.
(reference:https://www.mhlw.go.jp/bunya/kenkou/kekkaku-kansenshou28/index.html） - 2. Vaccination Office, Health Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
(reference:https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/10601000/000838245.pdf）
Target population
- Vaccination is strongly recommended, especially for women, regardless of whether they are sexually active or not.
- We offer vaccinations to anyone aged 16 and over.
Types of HPV Vaccines
There are currently three types of vaccine available: 9-valent Sylgard, 4-valent Gardasil, and 2-valent Cervarix. At our clinic, we can administer 9-valent Sylgard.
To be fully effective, three vaccinations are required over a six-month period (initial vaccination, two months later, and six months later).
シルガード®9
This vaccine was approved in Japan in 2020 and is effective against nine types of HPV, covering approximately ９０% of the HPV types that cause cervical cancer.
| Vaccine Name | Sylgard®9 |
|---|---|
| Number of virus strains to prevent infection | 9 |
| Target gender and age | 16 years or older |
| Effectiveness | Cervical cancer and its precancerous lesions, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, genital warts |
| Number of doses | 3 doses (first dose, second dose after 2 months, third dose after 6 months) |
| Side effects | Pain, itching, swelling, redness, headache, fever, feeling of heat, lump, numbness, nausea at the injection site, etc. usually disappear within a few days |
| Price | 1 dose: 38,500 yen (tax included) 3 doses set: 110,000 yen (tax included) |
reference:"Cervical cancer prevention information site "Motomamorou.jp"'
About Cervical Cancer
What is cervical cancer?
Cancer that develops in the cervix, which is near the entrance of the uterus, is called cervical cancer. The causes and process of cervical cancer have been largely elucidated, and it is a preventable cancer.
The cervical cancer vaccine does not prevent infection with all types of carcinogenic HPV. In order not to miss these abnormalities, it is necessary to undergo regular cervical cancer screening even after receiving the vaccine.
Frequently asked questions about the HPV vaccine
- How long do the effects of the HPV vaccine last?
Clinical trials conducted overseas have shown that three doses of the vaccine provide a preventive effect for about 3 years.
*3 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02653118- Is it effective for people who are already infected with HPV?
The vaccine can be administered to people who already have lesions (including genital warts) or who have had abnormalities on medical tests, but it will not improve existing lesions (1)(2).
Since the possibility of being infected with all of the HPV types included in the HPV vaccine is considered low, vaccination is well worthwhile in preventing disease caused by HPV types that are not present in the body (1)(2).
(1) Edited and supervised by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinical Guidelines: Outpatient Gynecology. 2023:52-53.
(2)Markowitz LE et al. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2014;63(RR-05):1-30.
- What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?
The main side effects reported are pain, swelling, erythema, itching, and internal bleeding at the injection site, and systemic side effects include headache, dizziness, oropharyngeal pain, nausea, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. Although rare, severe symptoms (severe allergic symptoms, symptoms of the nervous system)* may occur.
- If I get the HPV vaccine, will I no longer need cervical cancer screening?
No, even if you have received the HPV vaccine, you still need to have regular cervical cancer screening. Because the vaccine does not prevent all HPV-related cancers, early detection and early treatment through screening are important.
- Can I get this vaccination at the same time as other vaccinations?
Yes, the HPV vaccine can generally be given at the same time as other vaccines, but it is recommended that the vaccine be given in a different site (such as the other arm).
