Should You Get the New 9-Valent HPV Vaccine After 4-Valent?

Questions about the HPV vaccine?

Hello, I would like to ask if I received three doses of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) recombinant vaccine (types 6, 11, 16, and 18) 5 to 6 years ago, would you still recommend getting the latest nine-valent HPV vaccine? Thank you.

Miss Zheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/04

Dr. Cai Yonglong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The nine-valent cervical cancer vaccine covers nine types of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58).
In addition to preventing cervical cancer and other related cancers, it can also prevent genital warts (condylomata acuminata) and other sexually transmitted infections.
It is recommended to receive the vaccination; please consult a gynecologist for treatment.

Reply Date: 2022/08/04

More Info

If you received the quadrivalent HPV vaccine (which protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18) five to six years ago, it is indeed advisable to consider getting the newer nine-valent HPV vaccine. The nine-valent vaccine expands the protection to include five additional high-risk HPV types: 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. These types are associated with a higher risk of developing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

The primary purpose of the HPV vaccine is to prevent infections from the types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer and other related conditions, such as genital warts. While the quadrivalent vaccine provides substantial protection against the four HPV types it covers, the nine-valent vaccine offers broader protection, which is particularly beneficial as it includes additional high-risk types that may not have been covered by the earlier vaccine.

Research has shown that the nine-valent vaccine is safe and effective, even for individuals who have previously received the quadrivalent vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations recommend that individuals who have been vaccinated with the quadrivalent vaccine can still benefit from the nine-valent vaccine, especially if they are within the recommended age range for vaccination (typically up to age 26, and in some cases up to age 45).

Moreover, even if you have been vaccinated, it is still possible to contract HPV types that are not covered by the vaccine. Therefore, receiving the nine-valent vaccine can provide additional protection and peace of mind. It is important to note that vaccination does not replace the need for regular cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, as these are crucial for early detection of any abnormalities.

Before proceeding with the vaccination, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a gynecologist or a primary care physician, who can assess your individual health history and provide personalized recommendations. They can also discuss the timing of the vaccination and any other preventive measures you may need to take.

In summary, if you have previously received the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, getting the nine-valent HPV vaccine is a recommended step to enhance your protection against a broader range of HPV types. This proactive approach can significantly reduce your risk of developing HPV-related diseases in the future.

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