Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a collection of over 200 viruses that are transmitted through skin-to-skin and sexual contact. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and approximately half of the infections are with high-risk strains that can lead to cancer.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine available for HPV. In October 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved Gardasil 9, the latest version of the vaccine, for individuals up to the age of 45. This means that people who were previously ineligible due to age restrictions now have the opportunity to receive the vaccine.
However, it’s important to note that HPV vaccination may not be necessary for all adults between the ages of 27 and 45. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that most adults in this age group do not need to discuss the option of vaccination. As a result, a national survey in 2020 found that over 60% of adults in this age bracket were unaware that the vaccine is approved for them.
So, what is the ideal age for receiving the HPV vaccine? According to experts, it depends on various factors. But before we dive into that, let’s understand the basics of the vaccine.
There are 15 types of HPV that are considered high-risk, with types 16 and 18 being responsible for the majority of cervical cancers and pre-cancers, as well as other cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat. Gardasil 9 protects against nine types of HPV, including the two high-risk strains mentioned, along with two low-risk strains that cause genital warts.
The vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies in the body. These antibodies provide protection against future encounters with HPV, preventing infection. Gardasil 9 consists of virus-like particles that closely resemble the HPV virus but are non-infectious. The antibodies produced against these particles also work against the actual virus, making the vaccine highly effective.
The vaccine’s effectiveness, however, decreases as individuals age. The immune response weakens over time, and the vaccine cannot protect against HPV strains that individuals have already been exposed to. Initially, it was believed that the vaccine would not be beneficial for cancer prevention after the age of 26.
However, studies conducted in women up to age 45 proved otherwise. The FDA found that Gardasil 9 was still 88% effective in preventing precancerous lesions, cervical cancer, and genital warts caused by the nine HPV strains, even in individuals who may have been exposed to the virus already. The effectiveness for individuals assigned male at birth was inferred from this data.
It’s important to note that while the vaccine still offers some protection for those who have been exposed to some HPV types, the response may not be as robust. The effectiveness of the vaccine can vary depending on an individual’s history of prior HPV infections.
So, how do you decide if getting the HPV vaccine is right for you? The best approach is to engage in shared clinical decision-making with your doctor. Together, you can evaluate the potential benefits of the vaccine based on factors such as previous evidence of HPV, the risk of HPV-related cancer, your relationship status, the cost and availability of vaccination, and the likelihood of reduced protection.
There are certain circumstances in which you should not receive the HPV vaccine, such as if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredients in the vaccine or a previous dose, if you have an allergy to yeast (as Gardasil 9 contains yeast protein), or if you are pregnant.
Ultimately, your peace of mind is crucial. Vaccination, even if you’ve been previously exposed to HPV, can still be beneficial. According to experts, it’s unlikely a person has been exposed to all the types the vaccine protects against. If you’re over 45 and interested in getting vaccinated, it’s important to note that it is considered off-label, meaning insurance may not cover the cost of vaccinations.
Nevertheless, unless you have allergies to vaccine ingredients or are pregnant, there is no harm in getting vaccinated. The potential protection against high-risk HPV strains is worth considering.
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