Health News-vaccination against human papillomavirus

The virus is extremely contagious and 90% of people get infected at least once with HPV during their lifetime. 

HPV is the cause of many cancers, also in men 

Most HPV infections (9 out of 10) are mild, go unnoticed or go away by themselves within 2 years. But 10% will last longer and can cause some cancers: 

• Cervix, vagina, and vulvar cancer in women. 
• Penile cancer in men. 
• Anal cancer in both women and men. 
• Back of the throat (called oropharyngeal cancer), including the base of the tongue and tonsils, in both men and women. 

HPV is not just sexually transmitted

You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus, even if they do not have signs or symptoms. 

However, the HPV virus can also make its way from one person to another just through small skin lesions or mucosae, so a cuddle or a kiss can be enough to pass it on. 

HPV vaccination is cancer prevention

Male and/ or female condoms do not give reliable protection. 

You can protect your child from these cancers with the HPV vaccine. 

HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV, including anal, vaginal, cervical, and vulval precancers (abnormal cells that can lead to cancer). 

At what age do we vaccinate? Why so young?  

Research has shown that the vaccination is most protective when given before the first contact with the virus. Kisses and cuddles often start young.

• Optimal age for vaccination is age 11 to 14 
• Before age 15, you need two doses 
• After age 15, you need three doses 
• You can still benefit from vaccination up to age 26 (and insurance will cover it) 

Vaccine: safe and effective

Over 15 years of monitoring have shown that HPV vaccines are very safe and effective. Like with all vaccines, scientists continue to monitor the HPV vaccine. 

It is a recommended vaccination within the Swiss vaccination schedule for boys and girls alike. All recommended vaccinations fall under the normal health insurance for reimbursement 

Find more information on this website.

Marian Coen and Kenny Mary

ISL Medical Team