[HPV Vaccine] Do men also need it? HPV vaccine types, vaccination schedule and prices explained

Regardless of gender, everyone has the chance of contracting HPV (human papillomavirus). It can be transmitted through sexual contact, and certain high-risk viral genotypes can cause cellular changes and lead to cancer. HPV vaccines can prevent diseases caused by various HPV viruses, including sexually transmitted infections, cervical cancer, penile cancer, and more. Therefore, receiving the HPV vaccine can provide additional protection. But how many types of HPV vaccines are there? When should they be given? Are there any side effects? And how much do they cost? This article will explain all of these points one by one.

The HPV vaccine, short for human papillomavirus vaccine, also known as the cervical cancer vaccine, is a preventive vaccine that can help prevent cervical cancer and other cancers and diseases caused by HPV infection. However, it should be noted that the HPV vaccine itself has no therapeutic effect.

In Hong Kong, around 90% of cervical cancer cases are caused by infection with HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. The 9-valent HPV vaccine covers these seven HPV genotypes. ¹

At present, there are three types of HPV vaccines available on the market: the bivalent (2-in-1), quadrivalent (4-in-1) and 9-valent (9-in-1) HPV vaccines.
The bivalent HPV vaccine (2-in-1): it helps prevent infection with HPV types 16 and 18, with cervical cancer protection efficacy of 70%.^2,3
The quadrivalent HPV vaccine (4-in-1): it helps prevent HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18, reducing the risk of cervical cancer by 70% and preventing genital warts (commonly known as “cauliflower”).^2,3
The 9-valent HPV vaccine (9-in-1): it helps prevent nine HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58). The 9-valent vaccine currently offers the broadest protection among HPV vaccines, covering 90% of cervical cancers and providing the best preventive effect.^2,3

The vast majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV infection, which is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Therefore, receiving the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active provides the best preventive effect. Studies show that vaccination is most effective for people aged 9 to 45. In addition, some HPV vaccines can also help prevent other conditions, such as vulval cancer, vaginal precancerous lesions and anal cancer.

Generally speaking, receiving the HPV vaccine is safe. Most people may experience mild, short-lived side effects after vaccination, such as headache, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. The injection site may also be painful or become red and swollen.¹

HPV vaccination requires 2 or 3 doses, depending on the age of the person being vaccinated. In general, the full vaccination course should be completed within 6 months to achieve the best protection. Below is the vaccination schedule for different ages and HPV vaccine types⁴:

Bivalent HPV vaccine: For people aged 15 or above: the second dose should be given 1 month after the first dose, and the third dose should be given 5 months later; for children aged 9 to 14: only 2 doses are required, with the second dose given 6 months after the first dose.

Quadrivalent HPV vaccine: For people aged 14 or above: the second dose should be given 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose should be given 4 months later; for children aged 9 to 13: only 2 doses are required, with the second dose given 6 months after the first dose.

9-valent HPV vaccine: For people aged 15 or above: the second dose should be given 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose should be given 4 months later; for children aged 9 to 14: only 2 doses are required, with the second dose given 6 months after the first dose.

Men, like women, can also be infected with HPV. In men, HPV infection can lead to genital warts, anal cancer, penile cancer, head and neck cancer, oral cancer and throat cancer⁵. According to data from the Hong Kong Cancer Therapy Statistics Centre, men are more likely than women to develop head and neck cancer⁶. Receiving the HPV vaccine early can help reduce the risk of HPV infection, and can also reduce the chance of a partner developing cancer or warts as a result of HPV infection.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. In addition to receiving the HPV vaccine, you can also take out critical illness insurance while you are in good health, allowing you to plan ahead and prepare thoroughly for the future. If you have already purchased critical illness insurance, in the unfortunate event that you are diagnosed with a major illness, the insured person may receive a lump-sum payout, which can be used flexibly for treatment and recovery, easing the financial burden and enabling the insured person to face life’s challenges with greater composure.

As a Hong Kong insurance comparison platform, 10Life introduces a rating system designed by actuaries to compare different insurance products fairly, helping consumers choose the insurance product that best suits their needs. Check out the 定期危疾保險比較 and 終身危疾保險比較 now to learn more about the relevant information.

Sources:

1. Hong Kong Department of Health, Centre for Health Protection. 子宮頸癌疫苗接種
2. Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. 癌疫苗注射嗎？
3. Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society. 疫苗資訊
4. Humansa Medical. 子宮頸癌疫苗 | 九價HPV疫苗注射
5. HPV

Hospital Authority Hong Kong Cancer Registry, “Cancer Statistics Enquiry System - All Ages”, 2023

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.