Cervical Cancer
Prevent the risk of cancer by vaccinating against Human Papilloma virus (HPV).
It has now been established that almost all cancers of the cervix are caused by a virus called the Human Papilloma virus (HPV). There are only a handful of strains of these viruses that can cause cancer.
There are only two licensed new HPV vaccines. Gardasil prevents infection from 4 strains that cause over 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. Cervarix is especially constituted with a carrier molecule for longer lasting immunity. Cervarix protects against HPV types 16 & 18. Gardasil provides protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.
The Cervarix vaccine has been selected to be used in the prevention of cervical cancer in women in the UK. The programme of vaccination, starting with young girls aged 13 started in September 08 with a massive nationwide campaign. The latest announcement has set to include girls aged 17-18 in the programme, which is very good news. It is not clear when or whether other age groups will be offered vaccination. It is therefore up to individuals and their families to decide on this important.
Cervarix protects against type 16 & 18 which are responsible for around 75% of cervical cancers. There is mounting evidence that Cervarix offers higher and longer sustained protection; a fact that may have played a role in the UK Government's decision to award the contract to GSK, manufacturers of Cervarix. Gardasil HPV vaccine provides protection against 4 types: 6 & 11 (causing genital warts), 16 and 18 which cause cervical cancer.
Gardasil
Gardasil is now available at the Vaccine Clinic. It represents an important medical advance: it is the first vaccine able to protect against a major cause of cancer in women.
What is HPV?
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a common virus that is passed on via genital contact. There are more than 100 HPV types and they infect genital areas. Sometimes they cause no harm and any infection goes away on its own. However, sometimes the virus persists and causes cells to change - this can lead to:
- Cervical cancer
- Pre cancerous lesions
- Genital warts.
What does Gardasil do?
Gardasil is a vaccine that protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. These four types of HPV cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.
Gardasil will not protect against diseases that are not caused by HPV (i.e. other cancers and other sexually transmitted diseases).
Gardasil may not protect against HPV types to which you have already been exposed. Unfortunately there is no test available, as yet, to check which type you have/haven't got.
Who should get vaccinated?
The vaccine is licensed for girls and women from 9 to 26 years of age. The vaccine is safe and effective in this age group. Ideally, females should get the vaccine before they become sexually active, i.e. before they can be exposed to HPV.
Females who are sexually active can also benefit as they might not yet have acquired all four HPV types - so they may get some protection from the vaccine.
Who should not receive Gardasil?
- People allergic to vaccine ingredients
- Pregnant women
- People with a weakened immune system (e.g. those with HIV)
- People with a bleeding disorder
Possible side effects
The vaccine is usually well tolerated.
The most likely side effects include - pain, itching, swelling at the injection site, fever, nausea, and dizziness.
How is Gardasil?
Gardasil requires a total of 3 injections, at the following intervals:
1st dose-At your chosen time
2nd dose: 2 months after first dose
3rd dose: 6 months after first dose
What is the difference between Gardasil and the vaccination used by the NHS (Cervarix)?
Gardasil protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 whereas Cervarix only protects against HPV 16 and 18. In addition, Cervarix is primarily given to 12 to 13 year old girls (although there are currently plans to begin vaccinating girls up to the age of 18) whereas Gardasil can be given to females aged 9 to 26 years old.
Are there any other ways to prevent HPV infection?
The only sure way to prevent HPV is to abstain from sexual activity. Sexually active adults can reduce their risk by limiting their number of sex partners and using condoms. Even people with only one partner can get HPV if their partner has been exposed to a previous partner with HPV.
This is why Gardasil represents such an important medical advance.
Other important points
The length of vaccine protection is not known yet. To date, research shows that it protects for at least 5 years. It is possible that a booster may be needed at some point in the future, to maintain protection.
Girls and women who have been vaccinated will still need regular cervical cancer screening - this is because the vaccine does not protect against ALL types of HPV.
Pricing information
Gardasil costs £140 per dose. Three doses required.
Procedure for having injection
You will need to book a GP consultation for the first dose. Subsequent doses will normally be given by one of our nurses, without a consultation.
Cervarix
We also provide Cervarix vaccine.
This is given at 0,1 and 6 months.
A recent study revealed that Cervarix produced a better immune response against HPV types 16 and 18 when compared with Gardasil.
The cost of Cervarix is £140 per dose. Three doses are required.
To book or find out more:
T: 01943 830367
F: 01943 831287
E: info@thevaccineclinic.co.uk
A: The Vaccine Clinic
Addingham Medical Centre
151a Main Street
Addingham
Ilkley
West Yorkshire
LS29 0LZ