Influenza

Japanese Encephalitis

MCV/MenB
(Meningococcus)

PCV
(Pneumococcus)

Rotavirus

HPV

MMR and Varicella

Herpes Zoster

Human papillomavirus/ Cervical Cancer Vaccine (Gardasil 9)

It is a nine-valent Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (9vHPV) that protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.These 9 types account for about 80-90% of HPV related cancers and diseases. Based on epidemiology studies, Gardasil 9 is anticipated to have 97% efficacy against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18 precancerous or dysplastic cervical diseases.

HPV is a group of viruses which can infect the genital areas of men and women mainly through sexual contact. It is an important cause of cervical cancer and is also associated with other types of genital cancer.

Studies suggest that up to 75% of all sexually active people will eventually be infected with HPV some time in their lives. Most people who become infected with HPV do not have symptoms and the infection clears on its own. Cervical cancer may develop if there is persistent infection of the high risk HPV.

HPV vaccine prevents infection with human HPV types that are associated with many cancers, including:

  • cervical cancer in females,
  • vaginal and vulvar cancers in females,
  • anal cancer in females and males,
  • throat cancer in females and males, and penile cancer in males.

In addition, HPV vaccine prevents infection with HPV types that cause genital warts in both females and males.

HPV vaccine prevents infection with human HPV types that are associated with many cancers, including:

  • cervical cancer in females,
  • vaginal and vulvar cancers in females,
  • anal cancer in females and males,
  • throat cancer in females and males, and penile cancer in males.

In addition, HPV vaccine prevents infection with HPV types that cause genital warts in both females and males.

  • Most adolescents 9 through 14 years of age should get HPV vaccine as a two-dose series with the doses separated by 6-12 months.

  • People who start HPV vaccination at 15 years of age and older should get the vaccine as a three-dose series with the second dose given 1-2 months after the first dose and the third dose given 6 months after the first dose.
  • The vaccine is most effective in women who have never been exposed to HPV-16 and HPV-18 infections.

  • For the HPV vaccine to work best, it is important to complete the vaccination before the commencement of sexual activity. It does not treat or cure HPV infection.

Based on current evidence, the vaccine is considered to be safe and effective. It offers at least five years of protection. It is not yet known if booster doses will be needed in the long run.The common side effects (≥10%) are mild and include soreness, redness or swelling around the injection site. Severe side effects are rare.

HPV-vaccinated women should still undergo regular cervical cancer screening. They can develop cervical cancer caused by HPV types not included in the vaccine and the vaccine cannot clear the virus in those who are already infected.