Will HPV vaccination protect me from cancer and genital warts?

One vaccine protects against more strains of HPV than the other. In an era of patient choice, we need to be aware of the facts and available options. In her article on HPV Vaccination, Miss Adeola Olaitan provides the essential information to decide on type of vaccination. The key points are as follows:

  • There are different strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer
  • There are currently two different types of vaccine
  • The different vaccines offer different levels of protection against the strains and one also protects against genital warts
  • Only one vaccine is currently provided by the NHS and the protection it provides is limited
  • Only certain groups are being offered the vaccine anyway, which is not ideal
  • The vaccine may not protect women who already have an HPV infection, but it will prevent subsequent infection from other strains (depending on the type of vaccine you have)
  • Depending on Vaccination type, you may only be protected against 7 out of 10 cancers
  • Women should continue to request cervical screening after vaccination
  • Vaccination is also an opportunity for a health screen
  • Use this information to ensure you get the best treatment option from your doctor

Click the link for further information on HPV Vaccination Options.

Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
Relating either to the cervix (the neck of the womb) or to the cervical vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). Full medical glossary
An abbreviation for human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause genital warts and may also have a role in the development of various cancers. Full medical glossary
Invasion by organisms that may be harmful, for example bacteria or parasites. Full medical glossary
per vaginam Full medical glossary
A way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to Full medical glossary
The means of producing immunity by stimulating the formation of antibodies. Full medical glossary
A microbe that is only able to multiply within living cells. Full medical glossary
A common, contagious, harmless growth that occurs on the skin or mucous membranes. Only the topmost layer of skin is affected. Full medical glossary