The most common questions patients ask us*.
What is this vaccine for ?
The Vaccine protects you against 90% of the viruses (HPV type 16 and 18) that are linked to cervical cancer.
Is the vaccine safe ?
Yes is the short answer. The vaccine is licensed for use by the Irish Medicine Board that confirm and monitor the safety of medicines.
Are there any side effects?
The most common are injection site reactions that can occur with any vaccine such as local soreness and swelling. All side effects pass in a few days.
Who should get the vaccine ?
All women from the age of 10. (For now, there is no licence for use in males)
Should I still go for smear tests after I’m vaccinated?
Yes. The Vaccine does not take the place cervical cancer screenings. You should always follow your doctor or healthcare professional's advice on getting smears.Smear test looks for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become pre-cancerous or cervical cancer.
Why is the vaccination administered over 3 visits at 0, 1 month, and 6 months ?
Not everyone is protected after the first vaccine and it takes three vaccines to achieve the highest level of immunity.
Why is the vaccine not covered under the medical card scheme or private insurance.
Although there is government funding in some other countries for vaccination of the population the Department of Health and Children have postponed a decision with regard to Ireland pending budgetary improvement.
What is human papillomavirus?
There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus. Most of them are relatively harmless, like the ones that cause common warts found on hands and feet but a few are responsible for diseases such as cervical cancer and genital warts. For most people, the body’s own defence system will clear the virus.
Which types of human papillomavirus cause more serious consequences?
About 40 types of human papillomavirus affect the genital area. Some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that sometimes turn into cancer. Some types can cause external genital lesions like vulval and vaginal lesions, and genital warts.
How common is human papillomavirus?
Human papillomavirus is very common, easily transmitted and can be totally symptomless. Human papillomaviruses affect both women and men, and the majority of us will encounter this virus at some point in our life.Sexual relations, that involves genital contact with someone carrying genital papillomaviruses, could result in infection. Genital contact with a single partner who has human papillomavirus is sufficient to cause infection. It has been shown that most people now contract the human papillomavirus in adolescence.
How will I know if I have human papillomavirus?
Most women learn they have human papillomavirus as a result of abnormal cervical smear tests
How do you get human papillomavirus?
Any person who has genital contact with an infected person can get human papillomavirus. It is possible to be infected without having sexual intercourse. And therefore, because many people who have the virus may not show any signs or symptoms, the virus can be transmitted without their knowledge.
How is cervical cancer related to human papillomavirus?
Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of a common virus, human papillomavirus.
How common is cervical cancer?
In Europe, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among young women (between 15-44). In Europe 40 women die each day of cervical cancer. In Ireland there are approximately 180 new cases of cervical cancer every year and 73 deaths. This means in Ireland, 6 women on average die each month from cervical cancer.
What are abnormal cervical cells?
Abnormal cervical cells are cells in the lining of the cervix that have changed in appearance. These changes are often called cervical dysplasia and the abnormal cells are detected by cervical smear tests. The more severe the cervical abnormality, the more likely it is that cervical cancer could develop in the future. Most often this can take a number of years, but more rarely it can happen in a shorter time span.
Does genital papillomavirus cause any other diseases?
Yes, certain “high-risk” types of human papillomavirus can cause other cancers and symptoms, including cancer of the vagina, vulva and anus.
(*The information above is not intended to be comprehensive and in the first instance you should discuss your concerns with your doctor).
