A vaccination against the HPV virus. Since last year, all children aged ten have been invited to this. But among teenagers and young adults, an invitation for the HPV shot has also fallen on the doormat this year. Before you decide whether or not to vaccinate, it is nice to know more about HPV and how this vaccine works.
Do you want answers to your questions but don’t have the time to do your own research? That’s convenient, we’ve listed all the information for you.
HPV what is that?
Time for a little refresh. HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. You can get this virus through sexual contact. Almost everyone gets HPV at some point. There are many different HPV types. Most are harmless and are cleared up by your body on its own. Other types, especially types 16 and 18, are less harmless and can cause cancer over a longer period of time.
Need a little more info on HPV? In this article on HPV we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
The HPV vaccination, how does it work?
The vaccine contains particles of types 16 and 18 of the HPV virus. Help, they’re dangerous, aren’t they? No stress, that does not mean that you are now infected. These particles actually ensure that you start producing antibodies. If you become infected after the vaccination, these antibodies recognize the virus and clear it up. This vaccine then protects against six types of cancer.
The vaccination consists of two injections. There are several months between the first and the second shot. One to two weeks after the last injection you are protected for at least ten years. The vaccine then protects for 95% against long-term HPV infections with types 16 and 18.
Who is the HPV vaccination intended for?
The HPV vaccination works best when you are not yet infected with the virus. That is why children are called up for the jab just before they turn ten. Young people between the ages of 10 and 18 can also receive the vaccine if they have not yet had it. At first only girls received the shot, but from 2022 boys will also receive an invitation to have the vaccination.
Are you an adult, not yet vaccinated, but are you considering this? This year, adults up to the age of 27 can get the vaccine free of charge thanks to the catch-up campaign of the GGD. If you want this, it is wise to keep an eye on the time. The vaccination for this age group will only be free in 2023.
Why do boys also get an HPV vaccination?
At first, only girls were invited for the HPV vaccination. This vaccination was used to prevent cervical cancer. But since 2022 it’s also the men’s turn. The most common HPV cancer is cervical cancer, but the virus can also cause other cancers. For example on the anus, penis, mouth and throat. Because these cancers are increasingly seen, protection against HPV has become important, also for boys. In addition, there is something to be said for the protection offered by the vaccine. If both men and women can receive this vaccination, fewer people will be infected with the virus. The more people are therefore protected against the HPV virus, the smaller the chance of spreading.
Is a vaccination against HPV useful if you have already had sex?
A vaccination against HPV is most effective when someone has not yet had sexual contact. That is why the injection is preferably given at a young age. This does not mean that a vaccination is useless if you are sexually active. You may not have contracted HPV at all during your bedroom adventures. If you are infected with HPV, the vaccine can protect against new infections of HPV.
What are the side effects of the HPV vaccination?
It has been studied which side effects the HPV virus can cause. According to the RIVM, the vaccination is safe and will not cause serious side effects. After the injection you may experience muscle pain, itching or redness at the place where the injection was made. In some cases there is fever, abdominal pain, headache or nausea. These complaints are not permanent and will go away on their own.
The choice of whether or not to take a vaccination is entirely up to you. To prik or not to prik? Hopefully, this info has been able to help you answer that question. At Women’s Health we do not give advice and only provide information. If you are still unsure after reading this information, please contact a doctor.
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