The Papillomavirus Vaccine
Immunization schedule
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Eighth Grade
About Human Papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) belongs to a family of viruses, and it has over 100 strains. These strains are among the most common globally and can lead to cancer many years after infection.
HPV is the leading risk factor for cervical cancer, resulting in the deaths of many women each year, particularly those in their thirties and forties. HPV also contributes to anal, oral, and back of the throat (called oropharyngeal) cancers in both men and women, as well as vaginal and vulvar cancers in women and penile cancer in men.
Additionally, these viruses can cause warts on the genitals, skin, throat, and vocal cords.
Transmission
HPV is contagious and spreads easily through direct contact, particularly during sexual activity. Typically, there are no visible symptoms after infection, and individuals who are infected may be unaware that they can transmit the virus to others.
Using a condom during sexual activity can reduce the risk of transmission. However, condoms do not provide complete protection against HPV because they do not cover all areas of the genitals and are often applied after sexual contact has begun.
HPV Vaccination
The vaccine Gardasil-9 is part of the immunization schedule for infants and children. It protects against nine strains of the papillomavirus and is administered to both boys and girls from ages 9 to 26. In some cases, individuals aged 27 to 45 may be eligible for vaccination after consulting with their doctor.
The vaccine is essential for both boys and girls to prevent transmission. In girls, the vaccine lowers the future risk of invasive cervical treatments that could impact their fertility. In boys, the vaccine significantly decreases the risk of mouth and throat cancer, penile cancer, penile skin cancer, and anal cancer, as well as lesions and precancerous conditions.
Immunization Schedule: The vaccine is administered in the 8th grade in two doses, spaced six months apart. In certain areas of the country, the first dose may be given in the 7th grade. This vaccine can also be combined with other vaccinations.
If the HPV vaccine is administered after age 15, it will be given in three doses: two 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 years because it is essential to receive it before the onset of sexual activity and potential exposure to the virus. Also, younger people usually have a better immune response to the HPV vaccine. Delaying vaccination may result in reduced effectiveness in providing protection.
It is not necessary to check for prior HPV infection before receiving the vaccine.
| Vaccine composition | Vaccine administration |
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Purified virus-like particles of the major capsid protein of HPV, without genetic material |
Injection into the arm |
NOTE
NOTE
The vaccine helps protect you from infections caused by the specific strains in it. However, it doesn't treat or cure any medical conditions (like cancer or warts) that you might have had from getting those virus strains before you got vaccinated.
HPV Vaccine Efficacy
The HPV vaccine is effective in preventing genital cancer and warts in both men and women. It can also help prevent the formation of precancerous conditions. The Gardasil-9 vaccine, which was approved in Israel for the 2019-2020 school year, can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by 90%.
Additionally, it lowers the chances of vulvar and penile cancers by over 90%, reduces the risk of anal cancer by more than 70%, and assists in preventing genital warts as well.
Studies have shown that women who received the vaccine since its approval in 2006 still demonstrate an immune response. As time goes on, we will gain a clearer understanding of how long the antibodies persist and whether the vaccine provides lasting protection.
The HPV Vaccine Worldwide: The HPV vaccine has been incorporated into immunization schedules in many countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Japan, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Countries that have implemented school-based HPV vaccination programs, such as the United States and Australia, have reported a decrease of more than 50% in precancerous genital lesions and warts. Additionally, Australia, Sweden, and Norway have made significant progress toward eliminating HPV from their populations.
HPV Vaccine Safety
The vaccine contains only the outer protein coat (capsid) of the virus, without any genetic material, making it impossible to contract the virus through vaccination. Studies have demonstrated that the HPV vaccine is safe and does not cause severe side effects. So far, hundreds of millions of HPV vaccines have been administered worldwide, including approximately one million doses in Israel. To date, no serious adverse events have been linked to the HPV vaccine.
Completing the HPV Vaccination
The Ministry of Health recommends that boys and girls who missed their HPV vaccinations at school complete the vaccination series.
If you're over 18, there’s a fee for getting vaccinated. However, some health insurance plans cover HPV shots for people not on schools' immunization schedules.
For complete information on how and where to complete vaccinations
Possible Side Effects
A small number of people may experience side effects after vaccination, but these are usually mild and resolve within a day or two:
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Pain, redness, or local swelling where the shot was given -
Non-specific Side Effects
- 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 should avoid massaging the area.
- Non-specific Side Effects: From the day of vaccination and up to 15 days post-vaccination, people may experience a high body temperature. Other possible symptoms include headache, dizziness, fainting, muscle pain, joint pain, stomachache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, general discomfort, and weakness. You can take fever-reducing and pain-relieving medications as needed.
When to Seek Medical Attention at an HMO or Emergency Center After Vaccination:
- If your child seems really tired or isn’t responding, or
- If your child has a high body temperature lasting longer than 24 to 48 hours, or
- If you are concerned or worried about any other symptoms.
If your child experiences post-vaccination symptoms, please notify the school nurse or the school healthcare provider.
Healthcare provider listing by region
When Not to Receive the HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine should not be given in the following cases:
- During pregnancy; studies indicate that vaccinating does not harm the fetus. However, as a precaution, it is recommended that pregnant women wait until after delivery to receive the HPV vaccination when more information becomes available.
- Following an adverse reaction to a previous dose.
- Vaccination should be postponed until recovery if there is fever.
Learn more about the HPV Vaccine
For questions about the vaccine, contact your family doctor, the school nurse, or a nurse that can be contacted at *5400 (the Ministry's hotline).
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CgxQqW1kes&t=38s