HPV vaccination at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock

HPV vaccination protects against infection with the types of human papillomavirus that are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer and for some other cancers. Depending on the vaccine used, protection may also cover the HPV types that cause genital warts (condylomata acuminata).

Vaccination brings the greatest benefit before the start of sexual activity, but adults can be vaccinated as well. At OpenMed in Warsaw and at OpenMed in Płock you can have a medical assessment for HPV vaccination and receive the appropriate dose of the vaccine.

What does HPV vaccination protect against?

HPV is a group of more than 200 types of virus. Infection is transmitted mainly through sexual contact and direct skin-to-skin or mucous membrane contact in the genital area. It is very common and in most cases is cleared by the body on its own.

The problem is persistent infection, particularly with high-risk oncogenic HPV types. HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for a large share of cervical cancer cases. The virus may also be linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis and part of the throat. HPV types 6 and 11, on the other hand, are the main cause of genital warts.

The vaccine prepares the immune system to recognise specific HPV types. It does not contain live virus, so it cannot cause an HPV infection.

Who can be vaccinated against HPV?

Vaccination is for girls and boys, women and men. It is best given before the first contact with the virus, particularly before the start of sexual activity, which is why vaccinating children and teenagers is especially important.

HPV vaccination can also be considered for people who have already started sexual activity. Earlier contact with one type of the virus does not mean that the person has encountered all the types covered by the vaccine.

Vaccination is open to, among others:

children and teenagers of the age appropriate for the given vaccine,
young adults who have not been vaccinated before,
people who started the vaccination course but did not receive all the required doses,
adults for whom, after an individual assessment, vaccination may be beneficial.

A past HPV infection is not automatically a contraindication to vaccination. Bear in mind, however, that this is prevention, not a treatment for an existing infection.

What does HPV vaccination involve?

A medical assessment takes place before the vaccine is given. The doctor asks about your health, chronic conditions, medicines you take, previous vaccinations and allergic reactions. If there are no contraindications, the vaccine is given as an intramuscular injection, usually in the upper arm.

The number of doses needed depends mainly on your age when the course starts and on the state of your immune system. In younger people a two-dose schedule is usually used. If the course starts at a later age, or in certain situations related to immunity, a three-dose schedule may be needed.

If you received the first dose earlier, bring your vaccination record to the visit. This makes it possible to plan the rest of the schedule correctly.

Do I need an HPV test before vaccination?

There is no need for a routine HPV test before vaccination. A healthy person also does not need a special set of laboratory tests just to check whether the vaccine can be given.

Women should remember, however, that vaccination does not replace cervical cancer prevention. After vaccination, screening tests should still be carried out according to current recommendations. Vaccines protect against the most important HPV types, but they do not protect against every type of the virus that could lead to cancerous changes.

Is HPV vaccination safe?

The most common reactions after vaccination are short-lived reactions at the injection site: pain, redness or swelling. Tiredness, headache, muscle aches or a slight rise in temperature are also possible.

Contraindications to a further dose include a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of the vaccine or to one of its components. In the case of an acute illness with fever, vaccination may be postponed.

HPV vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy. If pregnancy begins between doses, the course does not need to be started again. The remaining part of the schedule can be completed after the pregnancy, as advised by the doctor.

HPV vaccination - FAQ

: Yes. Having started sexual activity does not rule out vaccination. The potential benefit depends, among other things, on age, previous exposure to HPV and the individual situation.
: No. The vaccine prevents new infections with the HPV types it targets. It does not remove virus that is already in the body and does not treat lesions caused by an earlier infection.
: No. A routine HPV test is not required before vaccination. Whether the vaccine can be given is decided during the medical assessment.
: Yes. Vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening. Women vaccinated against HPV should continue to have preventive tests according to the programme appropriate for their age.
: Yes. HPV infection affects both sexes. In men the virus can cause, among other things, genital warts and some cancers of the anus, penis and throat, which is why vaccination is also used in boys and men.