Gynecology

HPV vaccine is made up of proteins from the outer coat of the virus (HPV). There is no infectious material in this vaccine. This vaccine has been tested in over 11,000 females (ages 9-26 years) around the world.

There are two types of HPV vaccine at this point. One is against type 16 & 18 and the other is against types 6-11-16-18.

Several studies have shown no serious side effects. The most common side effect is soreness at the injection site.

The vaccine does not appear to protect against HPV types that females are infected with at the time of vaccination.
Since the current vaccine will not protect women against all the HPV types that cause cervical cancer, women should continue to seek Pap smear testing, even after receiving the vaccine.

Dr Maria Papadopoulou is a certified doctor from "Hellenic Society of Cercix Pathology & Colposcopy".