Should I take a HPV vaccine?
I get this question a lot both from women and their mothers.
Before we get into answering the question proper, let’s look at some facts:
- Cervical cancer is the 7th most common cancer in Singapore and the 5th most common cancer in the world.
- Cervical cancer is caused by infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Certain strains of HPV, known as ‘high risk types’ are more likely to cause Cervical cancer.
- Cervical cancer is frequently asymptomatic until late stages.
- Cervical cancer can be cured if detected early.
- The best way to detect Cervical cancer early is by going for regular PAP smears.
- HPV can be transmitted by both penetrative and non-penetrative sexual contact.
As with any medical decision, it requires a weighing of the pros and cons to make an informed decision.
Sounds like a fairly straightforward decision to me.
The second decision to make is ‘Which Vaccine’?
This is more complex and requires a formal consultation with your doctor.
Questions that I get asked a lot:
But MOH (Ministry of Health) says the vaccine is only for women between the ages of 9 and 26?
My usual response: That is MOH’s policy. The fact is HPV vaccines protect against HPV, regardless of age. In fact, recent studies on both Cervarix and Gardasil indicate that HPV vaccination in women up to 45 years old is still effective in preventing Cervical cancer. The more important thing is to weigh the risk and benefits carefully.
I have already been infected with HPV. Should I still get vaccinated?
My usual response: HPV infections are detected using the Digene DNA HPV test. It can tell if a woman is infected with a high risk HPV strain but is unable to tell the strains apart. It is unlikely that a woman is infected with all the high risk strains at once. It is therefore still good to get vaccinated to protect yourself against the other strains.
My husband and I have no other sexual partners. Do I still need to get vaccinated?
My usual response: There is no need for vaccination if you are in a mutually monogamous relationship. (stressing on the word ‘mutually’ which usually draws a chuckle).
Do I need to undergo a PAP smear and HPV test before having the vaccine?
My usual response: No. The results of these tests will not make a difference to your decision on whether or not to have the vaccine. It is always a good habit to have regular PAP smears anyway.
I always use condoms so I am protected against HPV right?
My usual response: Unfortunately that is not true. It has been shown that condoms do NOT prevent HPV infection. However, condoms do provide some protection against HPV related diseases like Cervical cancer and warts.
So after all of that this is the take home message ‘Go speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated against HPV for yourself and your daughter. It is very likely both of you will benefit from it. Remember to continue getting your regular PAP smears.’
About Dr. Tan
Dr. Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2001. His residency was in the two largest public hospitals in Singapore; Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Singapore General Hospital.
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hello doctor, it’s me again. I really like the information from your website. Very useful. I’ve done Gardasil vaccine in 2009. I routinely do PAP smears (using the Thin Prep method) every once a year. What I want to know, approximately how many years the vaccine (Gardasil) protects against the HPV virus? When should I repeat injections of the vaccine Gardasil (supposing it to be repeated)? Thank you in advance for your answer.
Hi Lovebaby,
You should have gotten 3 injections in 2009. If you have note, please see your doctor. If you completed the entire course, current studies show that there is no need for any booster injections.
Rgds
Dr Tan
Yes i hv completed 3 injections in 2009. Thanks for your your answer….
Hi Doctor,
I’ve taken one injection of Gardasil and been researching about the side effects. Most are minor while some are major and even deaths. Cases recorded are in US, Britain and Australia. I have yet to find records of major side effect in South East Asia region. Is there any record of those effect in Singapore? thanks
I know of the cases you are talking about. None of them have been definitely linked to the vaccine. I also know that there are a lot of conspiracy theories out there on these vaccines being dangerous and governments are pushing them only for a profit motive along with big pharma. You definitely come across as an intelligent person and I’m sure you can weight the information and come to a logical decision. As a more direct answer to your question: I have not heard of nor have received any updates from HSA with regards to any major side effects of HPV vaccines in Singapore.
Hi im 20to i enjoy learning all this information. Ive never had a hpv shot should i?? Ive had paps done though..
Hi lovely,
That is a very good question. I am sure it comes as no surprise to you when I say ‘yes of course you should’. The fact is, more and more people are coming to realise the vast benefits of HPV vaccination. Gardasil has been proven to prevent not only cervical cancer but also genital warts, anal cancer, vulval cancer and vaginal cancer. Vaccinating men will not only protect them from genital warts and anal cancer, it will also provide a herd immunity and indirectly protect women from Cervical and Vulval cancers. Overall, the benefits to HPV vaccination far outweigh the risks. I will be writing a blog entry soon on which HPV vaccine to take. Be sure to look out for it!
rgds
Dr Tan
dear dr. Tan
im 27 yo, monogamous sexually active. After discussed with my gynecologist, he said I should pap smear before vaccinated because the vaccine can over growing the virus if i already had hpv lesions… and i never pap smear before.is that right dr. Tan? my cousin in indonesia said same too while she do consultation with her gynecologist…thanks for your attention
I am not sure what you mean by ‘vaccine can over growing the virus if i already had hpv lesions’. I personally do not think getting a PAP smear is necessary prior to getting the HPV vaccine. Whether the PAP smear is normal or not, I would still recommend the vaccine. All sexually active women should get PAP smears. It is very important that you get yours done regularly regardless of whether or not you intend to take the HPV vaccine.
I’m 44 years old and have had a cervical conization 12 years ago due to a moderate dysplasia. I have been checked yearly with PAP smear which has always been normal. I have been married to the same man for 15 years, would you recommend the HPV vaccine?
I cannot recommend you anything. This forum is not for medical consultations. What I can say is generally speaking, the benefits of taking a HPV vaccine usually outweighs the risk. This is something you should discuss with your doctor.