Can I Get the HPV Vaccine While on PEP Treatment?

Can the HPV vaccine be administered while undergoing PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) treatment?

Hello Doctor, I received my first dose of the HPV vaccine at the end of February and was originally scheduled to get the second dose in mid-May (after a 2.5-month interval).
However, I accidentally had a high-risk sexual encounter (the condom broke) at the beginning of May, so I started PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) treatment.
I would like to ask if I can receive the cervical cancer vaccine while undergoing this treatment? Will it increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases? Thank you.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/11

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology

The Chinese package inserts for Gardasil 9 and Cervarix do not list antiretroviral medications (used for PEP prophylaxis) as contraindications, nor do they mention them in the drug interaction section.
Currently, there is no clear medical evidence indicating that the two cannot be used concurrently.

Reply Date: 2019/05/11

More Info

Yes, you can receive the HPV vaccine while undergoing PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) treatment. According to the information provided, there are no contraindications listed in the vaccine's documentation regarding the use of antiretroviral medications for PEP. This means that there is currently no medical evidence suggesting that receiving the HPV vaccine during PEP treatment would be harmful or ineffective.

The HPV vaccine, such as Gardasil 9, is designed to protect against certain strains of the human papillomavirus that can lead to cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. It is generally recommended for individuals up to the age of 26, but it can be administered to older individuals as well, depending on their health status and risk factors. In your case, since you have already started the vaccination series, it is important to complete it according to the recommended schedule, which typically involves a second dose 2.5 months after the first and a third dose 6 months after the first.

Regarding your concern about autoimmune diseases, there is currently no substantial evidence linking the HPV vaccine to an increased risk of autoimmune disorders. Vaccines, in general, can stimulate the immune system, but this is a normal response and does not typically lead to autoimmune diseases in healthy individuals. The HPV vaccine has undergone extensive clinical trials and has been shown to be safe and effective for the vast majority of people.

It is also worth noting that PEP treatment itself is a short-term intervention aimed at preventing HIV infection after potential exposure. The medications used in PEP are not known to interfere with the immune response to vaccines. Therefore, receiving the HPV vaccine while on PEP should not pose any additional risk of developing autoimmune conditions.

In summary, you can proceed with your HPV vaccination while on PEP treatment without concerns about safety or efficacy. Completing the vaccination series is important for your long-term protection against HPV-related diseases. If you have any further concerns or specific health conditions, it is always best to discuss them with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

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