One of the aspects that we must take into account during our children’s childhood is their vaccination schedule. This lists the injections that children must receive to prevent certain diseases throughout their lives. One of the most noteworthy is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
The human papillomavirus vaccine is one of the many inoculations that children receive during their childhood. It is very relevant to prevent HPV infection and, therefore, will result in better health of children in the future. Let’s see what it consists of, at what ages it is recommended and its possible contraindications.
The human papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. In this regard, the HPV vaccine primes children’s immune systems to protect themselves if they come into contact with the virus.
According to the Ministry of Health, the vaccines do not contain the complete virus, nor its genetic material, so it cannot cause the disease. The vaccine has the ability to stimulate the production of defenses, that is, antibodies against HPV.
The human papillomavirus is a risk factor for contracting different types of cancer. The vaccine protects against precancerous anal lesions and external genital warts. It also reduces the risk of cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, throat and penis.
In Spain, it is recommended that all children under 12 years of age receive the human papillomavirus vaccine, with 9 years being the most common age for inoculation. It consists of the administration of two doses, with a separation of at least five or six months between them, depending on the vaccine used.
If the vaccination starts from the age of 14 or 13, three doses are administered. In any case, it is especially beneficial to receive it before having sex, when we are exposed to this sexually transmitted infection.
The human papillomavirus vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, as well as lactating women. It is also not recommended for immunocompromised people, people with severe hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the components of the vaccine.
Although the HPV vaccine is very safe, certain adverse reactions may occur when receiving it. The most common are pain, redness, and swelling of the arm where the injection was received; as well as fever, headache or muscle pain.
On the other hand, it can happen that the person faints when receiving the vaccine. In this regard, it is recommended to receive it sitting or lying down and remain in that position for a few minutes afterwards.
