Gardasil 9 Vaccination in Malaysia: Protecting Yourself from HPV

What is HPV?

What are the Symptoms of HPV?

In most cases, HPV does not cause any visible symptoms. However, sometimes it can lead to the development of painless growths or lumps around the vagina, penis, or anus, known as genital warts.

While HPV often does not cause immediate symptoms, certain high-risk types of the virus may cause more severe conditions. These high-risk HPV types are linked to abnormal changes in cells that can sometimes progress to cancer if left untreated.

Cancers associated with high-risk HPV types include cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, vulval cancer, and vaginal cancer.

It is important to note that HPV can remain undetected in your body for many years. Hence, early detection and treatment of HPV-related conditions are crucial, as the virus can often remain dormant until more serious complications arise.

What are the Types of HPV Vaccines?

HPV vaccines are designed to prevent infection from certain HPV types.

Currently, there are several licensed HPV vaccines available worldwide that protect against either 2, 4, or 9 types of HPV, including high-risk HPV types.

The table below provides an overview of the different HPV vaccines and the specific HPV types they target.

Currently, there are 3 types of HPV vaccines available in Malaysia, which are:

a) Gardasil 9 (nonvalent)
b) Cervarix (bivalent),
c) Gardasil (quadrivalent)

How Do HPV Vaccines Work?

HPV vaccines stimulate your body’s immune system to produce antibodies against specific HPV types. The vaccines contain virus-like particles (VLPs) that mimic the structure of the HPV virus but do not contain any viral DNA, making them non-infectious.

When administered, the VLPs in the vaccine trigger your immune system to generate antibodies that can recognise and bind to the actual HPV virus.

If an individual is later exposed to the actual virus, these antibodies can prevent the virus from infecting cells and causing disease.

How Effective are HPV Vaccines?

HPV vaccines have been shown to have high efficacy in preventing infection from the HPV types they target (nearly 100%).

Studies have shown substantial declines in genital warts and cervical precancers among vaccinated populations.

How Long Do HPV Vaccine Last?

Current evidence suggests that HPV vaccines provide long-lasting protection.

For instance, Gardasil 9 has been found to offer protection for at least 6 years, while Cervarix provides protection for up to 11 years.

Gardasil, on the other hand, has been shown to protect against targeted HPV types for at least 10 years.

However, as HPV vaccination programs are relatively new, continued monitoring is necessary to determine if booster doses may be needed in the future to maintain long-term protection.

Notably, HPV vaccines do not protect against all HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. Therefore, combining HPV vaccination with screening like cervical cancer screenings offers the best protection for women.

Want to learn more about health screenings? Read this article to learn about essential women’s health screenings.

Who can Get the HPV Vaccine?

Both males and females who hope to gain protection against HPV infections and HPV-related cancers and diseases are encouraged to receive HPV vaccination.

Do note that routine vaccination is recommended for preteen boys and girls aged 11 or 12 to protect them from the virus before they are exposed to it.

In addition, catch-up vaccination is encouraged for all persons younger than 27 who are not adequately vaccinated.

It is important to note that HPV vaccination is not typically recommended for people older than 26.

However, individuals between the ages of 27 and 45 may still benefit from the vaccine if their healthcare provider determines that the potential benefits outweigh the risks of a new HPV infection.

In such cases, people can still receive the vaccination before the age of 45, following the advice and guidance provided by their healthcare professional.

Who Should Not Get the HPV Vaccine?

While the HPV vaccine is very safe, there are some situations where it is not recommended:

• Although there is no direct evidence the HPV vaccine causes adverse pregnancy outcomes, pregnant women are encouraged not to get the vaccine.
• Anyone with a severe allergic reaction to any component of the HPV vaccine or after a previous dose should not get the vaccine.
• Anyone who is moderately or severely ill should wait until they recover before getting the HPV vaccine.

In most cases, people with minor illnesses or low-grade fevers can still get the HPV vaccine.

If you are unsure of your eligibility to be HPV-vaccinated, consult your healthcare provider for professional medical advice.

What Are The Procedures for Getting An HPV Vaccine?

The procedure for getting HPV vaccination involves the following steps:

1. Consultation with Your Healthcare Provider

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine your eligibility for the vaccine based on your age, sexual history, and other factors.

2. Vaccination Schedule

The vaccination schedule varies based on age:

a) Children and Adolescents (9-14 years old)
Typically, 2 doses are required, with the second dose given 6-12 months after the first dose.

b) Adults (15-45 years old)
Typically, 3 doses are required, with the second dose given 1-2 months after the first dose and the third dose given 6 months after the second dose.

3. Vaccination Process

The vaccine is administered in shots, usually in your upper arm.

Hence, wear clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm on the day of your vaccination appointment.

4. Post-Vaccination Care

After the shot, you may need to sit or lie down for 15 minutes to monitor for any adverse reactions, such as fainting.

To ensure the best protection against HPV infections, following the recommended vaccination schedule and any advice from your healthcare provider is essential.

What Should I Do After Getting The HPV Vaccine?

After receiving your HPV vaccination, there are a few things to keep in mind for a smooth recovery:

1. Rest

While serious side effects are rare, it is a good idea to take it easy for the remainder of the day after your vaccine is a good idea.

Avoid strenuous exercise or activities until the next day as your body mounts its immune response.

2. Apply a Cold Compress at Your Injection Site

If you experience pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold compress or cold pack over the area for 5 to 10 minutes to help reduce discomfort.

3. Take Over-the-Counter Medication

To relieve mild side effects like fever, headache, or body aches, you can take over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen according to the dosage instructions.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids, which can help reduce fever, dizziness and lightheadedness.

5. Monitor Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and go away on their own.

However, contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if the side effects are not going away within a few days.

By taking some basic precautions in the hours and days following your HPV vaccination, you can ensure minimal disruption from potential side effects as you gain immunity against HPV infection.

Potential Side Effects After Getting HPV Vaccination

Like with any vaccine, there is a possibility of mild side effects after receiving the HPV vaccination.

However, the vaccine is considered highly safe overall, and the benefits of protection against HPV-related cancers and diseases far outweigh the potential risks of side effects.

Common side effects that may occur after HPV vaccination include:

• Redness, pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
• Fever of 100°F (38°C) or higher
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fatigue

These are typically mild side effects that go away on their own within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease discomfort from side effects like pain or fever if needed.

In very rare cases, more severe side effects are possible, such as an allergic reaction. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction comprise swelling of the face and throat, hives, a fast heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, and weakness.

Hence, this is why you are asked to stay for 15-30 minutes after getting any vaccination, so medical personnel can monitor and immediately treat any allergic response.

Where to Get HPV Vaccination in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, HPV vaccines are available through various healthcare providers, including private clinics and hospitals, government hospitals, and some government health facilities.

Private clinics and hospitals may offer more flexibility in scheduling appointments, while government facilities may offer the vaccine at a lower cost.

Choose the healthcare provider that best aligns with your preferences for receiving your HPV vaccination.

Get Your HPV Vaccination at Island Hospital Today!

In the ongoing battle against HPV, empowering yourself with knowledge about the virus and taking proactive steps towards vaccination is one of the most effective ways to safeguard our health and well-being.

Take charge of your proactive defence against this viral threat at Island Hospital today!

Our Clinical Oncology and Haemato-Oncology Center is home to a team of experienced cancer specialists, oncologists, nurses, and support staff who stand ready to guide you through the process of receiving the HPV vaccine.

Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back from embracing this powerful preventative measure.

Take the courageous step towards prioritising your health by scheduling your Gardasil 9 HPV Vaccination with us now!

Should you have any enquiry, feel free to contact us.

FAQ

Is the HPV vaccine Halal?

Yes, the HPV vaccine is not made from any dubious source, and it is considered permissible (halal) by Islamic scholars and authorities.

Is the HPV vaccine effective if you’re sexually active?

Yes, the HPV vaccine can still be effective for sexually active individuals, though it works best when given before exposure to HPV through sexual activity.

How long can an HPV infection last?

Current evidence suggests that HPV vaccines provide long-lasting protection.

Among the HPV vaccinations available in Malaysia, Gardasil 9 has been found to offer protection for at least 6 years, while Cervarix provides protection for up to 11 years.

Gardasil, on the other hand, has been shown to protect against targeted HPV types for at least 10 years.

However, as HPV vaccination programs are relatively new, continued monitoring is necessary to determine if booster doses may be needed in the future to maintain long-term protection.

What is the age limit for the HPV vaccine?

The vaccine is routinely recommended for people aged 11-12, but it can be given as early as age 9. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for those not previously vaccinated through age 26.

It is not encouraged for people older than 26 to receive HPV vaccination.

However, people can still receive the vaccination before 45 years old if they follow the advice from their healthcare providers about the potential benefits and risks of new HPV infection.

Can men get HPV infection?

Yes, men can get HPV infections as well, which can lead to genital warts or genital cancers like penile and testicular cancers.

After the HPV vaccine, are Pap tests for women still necessary? 

Yes, routine cervical cancer screening with Pap tests is still recommended for women even after receiving the HPV vaccine, as the vaccine does not prevent all cervical cancers.

Find out more about pap tests in this article!