Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination

Question 1

What strains of HPV cause genital warts?

Answer 1

6 & 11

Question 2

What strains of HPV cause cervical cancer?

Answer 2

16 & 18

Question 3

HPV infection is linked to what cancers?

Answer 3

• over 99.7% of cervical cancers
• around 85% of anal cancers
• around 50% of vulval and vaginal cancers
• around 20-30% of mouth and throat cancers

Question 4

Name some other risk factors for developing cervical cancer.

Answer 4

• Smoking
• COCP use
• High parity.

Question 5

If a smear is reported as borderline or mild dyskaryosis, what i then tested and how is it followed up?

Answer 5

it is tested for HPV.

If positive - the patient is referred for colposcopy

If negative - the patient goes back to routine recall.

Question 6

What is the difference between Cervarix and Gardasil?

Answer 6

Cervarix was introduced in 2008 but it was replaced by Gardasil in 2012

Cervarix protected against HPV 16 & 18.

Gardasil protects against HPV 6,11,16 & 18. (Protects against genital warts)

Question 7

At what age is the vaccine given?

Answer 7

12-13 years

Question 8

Can a girl have it without her parents permission?

Answer 8

Yes, she doesn’t need their permission.

Question 9

Are injection site reactions common?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

Is it given in 1 or 2 doses?

Answer 10

2 doses about 6 to 24 months apart.