HPV Vaccine for Children
Vaccination schedule
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Eighth Grade
The disease
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that contains over 100 strains. These strains are among the most common in the world. They are transmitted through sexual intercourse or direct physical contact and are considered the main risk for cervical cancer. Moreover, these viruses can cause cancer among men and women, including anal cancer, mouth and throat cancer, vaginal and vulvar cancer, and penile cancer, as well as genital, skin, and vocal cord warts.
The vaccine
The name of the vaccine is Gardasil-9. It is a part of the immunization schedule. It protects against nine strains of papillomavirus and is administered to boys and girls from the age of 9 to 26 years old.
It is essential for both boys and girls to prevent virus contagion, which may cause cancer and other phenomena, such as warts. In girls, the vaccine reduces the future risk of cervical invasive treatments, which may damage their fertility. In boys, the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of mouth and throat cancer, penal cancer, penal skin cancer, and anal cancer, as well as lesions and precancerous conditions.
Vaccination schedule: the vaccine is administered in the 8th grade in two doses, given at an interval of six months. In some cases, the first dose will be administered in 7th grade.
If the vaccine against the papilloma virus is administered after the age of 15 years old, it will be given in 3 doses: 2 doses with a 1-2 month interval, and the third dose will be administered six months after the first dose.
The vaccine is administered during school-age years, as its maximum efficacy is achieved at a young age, prior to exposure to the virus. The combination of a young age and a strong immune system before exposure to the papillomavirus can decrease the risk of contracting the strains included in the vaccine by 97%. The older the age at which the vaccine is administered, the less protection it provides.
| Vaccine composition | Vaccine administration |
|
The virus envelope, without the genetic material |
By injection to the arm |
Vaccine efficacy
Studies have shown that women who received the vaccine since 2006 (then it was approved for marketing) still have protecting antigens. We will learn over time how long the antigens remain active and whether the vaccine provides lifelong protection.
Vaccine safety
Studies have demonstrated that the papillomavirus vaccine is safe and does not cause severe side effects. The vaccine contains only the empty shell of the virus, devoid of genetic material, making it impossible to contract the virus through vaccination.
Completion of vaccination
The Ministry of Health recommends that unvaccinated boys and girls complete the vaccination.
- Students in the 9th grade: the responsibility for completing the vaccination lies with the students' healthcare providers, determined by their area of residence, and is provided free of charge.
- Students in the 10th grade and older, up to the age of 18: the vaccination will be completed in the Ministry of Health bureaus free of charge.
- Over the age of 18: the vaccination can be completed in the HMOs.
Possible side effects and how to relieve them
A small portion of individuals may experience side effects after vaccination, but these are usually mild and resolve in a day or two:
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Redness, pain and swelling at the injection site -
General symptoms
- Redness and pain at the injection site and local swelling: you can apply a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water to the injection site and avoid massaging the area.
- General symptoms: less often, within 15 days of vaccination, there may be headaches, dizziness, muscle ache, joint ache, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, general inconvenience, and weakness.
When to seek medical attention at an HMO or emergency medical center after the vaccination
- If your child appears apathetic.
- If your child has a fever that lasts beyond 24-48 hours.
- If there is any other symptom that makes you concerned.
Further information on the vaccine
For any questions about the vaccine, contact your family doctor, the school nurse, or the nurse at the Ministry of Health hotline (Kol Habriut) at *5400.