HPV vaccination administration
Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask if someone who has been infected with genital warts and has been treated can still receive the HPV vaccine to prevent recurrence, or is it ineffective since they have already been infected? Thank you for your response.
Ru, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/26
Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the inquirer:
1.
If you have already been infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), receiving the quadrivalent HPV vaccine may still provide protection.
It can prevent future infections if the original virus type has cleared.
2.
Expected effects of the HPV vaccine include: a 65% to 70% reduction in the risk of cervical cancer and prevention of vulvar and vaginal cancers; a 35% to 50% reduction in precancerous lesions of the cervix, vulva, and vagina; a 90% reduction in the incidence of genital warts (condylomata acuminata); and a 97% reduction in infections caused by HPV types 16 and 18.
The HPV vaccine does not provide complete protection for all recipients.
Thank you, wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang
Reply Date: 2015/08/26
More Info
The HPV vaccine can indeed play a role in preventing the recurrence of genital warts, also known as condylomata acuminata, even after a person has been treated for them. It is important to understand how the vaccine works and its implications for individuals who have previously been infected with HPV.
Firstly, the HPV vaccine is designed to protect against specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are several types of HPV, some of which are associated with genital warts (such as HPV types 6 and 11) and others that are linked to various cancers, including cervical cancer (such as HPV types 16 and 18). The vaccines available, including the quadrivalent (4vHPV) and nonavalent (9vHPV) vaccines, provide protection against multiple strains of HPV.
If you have been treated for genital warts and are considering receiving the HPV vaccine, it is important to note that the vaccine will not treat existing infections or warts. However, it can provide protection against other strains of HPV that you may not have been exposed to yet. For instance, if you were infected with HPV types 6 and 11, receiving the vaccine may still protect you from other types included in the vaccine, such as HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, and others, which could help reduce the risk of future infections and the potential for developing related cancers.
Moreover, studies have shown that vaccination can help reduce the risk of recurrence of genital warts. This is particularly relevant for individuals who have cleared their existing HPV infection, as the immune system may still have a memory of the virus, and vaccination can boost the immune response against other types of HPV.
It is also worth mentioning that while the HPV vaccine is effective, it does not guarantee complete protection against all HPV strains or the diseases they cause. Therefore, it is still advisable to engage in safe sexual practices, such as using condoms, to reduce the risk of HPV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In terms of timing for vaccination after treatment for genital warts, it is generally recommended to wait until the warts have completely resolved and you have been cleared by your healthcare provider. This ensures that you are in the best possible health to receive the vaccine and that any potential for active infection is minimized.
In conclusion, if you have been treated for genital warts, receiving the HPV vaccine can still be beneficial. It can help protect against other HPV types and potentially reduce the risk of recurrence. It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your specific situation, the timing of vaccination, and any other concerns you may have regarding HPV and its implications for your health.
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