The human papillomavirus or HPV vaccine is recommended to be given to women before becoming sexually active. However, what about women who are married or have a sexual relationship? Does this vaccine still need to be given and is it still effective in preventing HPV infection?
The HPV vaccine is a type of vaccine that works to prevent infection with the HPV virus. Although it is recommended for women to prevent cervical cancer, this vaccine can also be given to men. The purpose of giving the vaccine to men is to protect their partners from the risk of getting HPV infection.
There are three types of vaccines based on the number and types of HPV viruses that can be prevented, namely:
- Quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil), for HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18.
- 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9), for the same HPV types as the quadrivalent vaccine (6, 11, 16, and 18) and types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
- Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix), for HPV types 16 and 18.
The Effectiveness of the HPV Vaccine in Sexually Active Women
Although the cervical cancer vaccine or HPV vaccine is important, adult women who have had multiple sexual partners are not required to complete all types of HPV vaccine. The effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in this group tends to be lower. This is because the possibility of exposure to the HPV virus has occurred before vaccination.
However, for some adult women with one sexual partner and have low-risk factors for exposure to HPV infection, the HPV vaccine can be given. Especially if this group is considered to have a risk of being exposed to the HPV virus in the future, for example, because they have a new sexual partner.
According to research, the HPV vaccine has proven to be effective and safe to give to women over the age of 25. In the United States, the HPV vaccine is given until the age of 45. It is possible that some individuals over the age of 45 may also benefit from this vaccination.
Terms of Giving the HPV Vaccine to Sexually Active Women
Data from clinical trials of vaccine efficacy in men and women show that the HPV vaccine is most effective when given to people who have not been infected with HPV. None of the currently available HPV vaccines can treat or speed healing of pre-existing HPV infections. This vaccine also cannot treat or prevent the emergence of disease caused by an existing HPV infection.
Although its effectiveness needs further investigation, sexually active individuals should still be vaccinated according to age-based recommendations. This is because the possibility of the HPV vaccine can still provide protection against other types of HPV virus that was not present in the previous vaccine.
Regardless of the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, the decision to vaccinate adults 27 years of age and older must be made on an individual basis. Consult directly with your doctor to find out your health condition and whether or not you need to undergo the HPV vaccination.