More than 80% of sexually active people may come into contact with HPV
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW?
The risk of infection also applies to… you
Anyone can become infected with HPV. In most people, the infection clears on its own, but in some cases it may persist. It is impossible to predict whether or when HPV will lead to precancerous or cancerous changes.
HPV infection affects both women and men!
100%
of genital warts in both sexes
90%
of anal cancers
99%
of cases of cervical cancer
64-100%
of precancerous conditions and cancers of the vagina
5-30%
of vulvar cancers
HPV infection can occur, among other ways, through: direct contact with lesions on the skin or mucous membranes (“skin‑to‑skin”), sexual contact - including anal and oral sex - and vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth.
Free HPV vaccination programme for children aged 9‑13
Has your child already turned 14? You can still HELP protect them! Ask about vaccination for your child at a clinic of your choice that provides HPV vaccination.
Is it worth getting vaccinated if we already have HPV?
Even if infection has already occurred, HPV vaccination can help protect against some consequences of infection with other types of the virus to which we have not yet been exposed. It is an important step towards reducing the risk of developing certain HPV‑related diseases in the future.
HPV vaccination for children and adults
HPV vaccination is available to everyone aged 9 and over, regardless of sex.
Children aged 9 and over
…because this is the best time to get vaccinated!
Young people aged 14 and over
…because it is best to help protect yourself before being exposed to the virus!
Adults
…because it is a decision that can help protect you against cancer!
Remember! Even people in long‑term relationships may be exposed to high‑risk types of HPV.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
CAN MEN BECOME INFECTED WITH HPV?
Yes. They can carry the virus and can also develop HPV-related disease. Symptoms in men often go unnoticed because the infection may be asymptomatic. However, when symptoms do occur, they include genital warts (condylomata acuminata) and, in the case of infection with oncogenic HPV types, precancerous lesions that are more difficult to detect and may later develop into, for example, anal cancer.
CAN HPV INFECTION BE CURED?
HPV 16 – what next? With this and other types of HPV, it is important to be aware that there is no medicine that can eliminate the virus from the body. However, there are ways of treating the lesions caused by the infection. In most people, the immune system clears the infection on its own. In some infected people, however, the virus may persist for longer and lead to serious diseases, including cancer.
WHAT DOES HPV LOOK LIKE?
I HAVE HPV – WHAT ABOUT SEX?
CAN I GET HPV AGAIN?
IS HPV VACCINATION MANDATORY?
HPV vaccination is now a standard preventive healthcare measure in nearly all European countries. These vaccinations form part of national immunisation programmes and aim to prevent certain HPV-related cancers in the population.
In Poland, the free HPV vaccination programme for children aged 9–13 is part of the National Oncology Strategy.
HPV VACCINATION – WHAT CAN IT HELP PROTECT AGAINST?
HPV vaccination can help protect against certain cancers and diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Both women and men are at risk. Vaccination reduces the risk of developing:
- precancerous conditions and cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva and anus,
- genital warts, known as condylomata acuminata.
It is a proven form of cancer prevention – particularly important before first exposure to the virus. People who have already been exposed to HPV may still gain additional protection against some consequences of HPV infection.
IS HPV VACCINATION FREE OF CHARGE?
HPV VACCINATION – IS IT WORTH IT?
Yes, it is definitely worth getting vaccinated against HPV – it is one of the important decisions you can make to help protect your health and the health of your loved ones.
HPV vaccination can protect against some consequences of infection with human papillomavirus, which is responsible for cancers including cervical, anal and vulvar cancers, as well as difficult-to-treat genital warts in the genital area. HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Do not wait for symptoms – take preventive action!
HPV VACCINATION – UP TO WHAT AGE CAN I GET VACCINATED?
There is no upper age limit for HPV vaccination. Anyone aged 9 and over can be vaccinated. Vaccination is most effective before becoming sexually active, i.e. before the first potential exposure to the virus. People who are already sexually active may also benefit from vaccination, gaining additional protection against certain HPV-related diseases.
HPV VACCINATION – HOW MANY DOSES?
The number of HPV vaccine doses depends on the age of the person being vaccinated. People aged 9 to 14 inclusive at the time of the first dose follow a two-dose vaccination schedule. People aged 15 and over at the time of the first dose follow a three-dose schedule.
HOW DO I BOOK MY CHILD’S VACCINATION?
Children aged 9–13 can receive free HPV vaccination, including under the National Immunisation Programme. Simply visit:
- the clinic where the child is registered with a primary care doctor
- any other clinic that provides vaccination.
Young people aged 14 and over and adults can also be vaccinated. Ask about HPV vaccination options at a clinic that provides vaccination.
WHAT ADVERSE REACTIONS MAY OCCUR AFTER HPV VACCINATION?
The most common adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs) after HPV vaccination include redness, swelling or pain at the injection site and headaches. Most reported reactions are mild. The benefits of HPV vaccination far outweigh the risks associated with AEFIs.
HOW MUCH DOES HPV VACCINATION COST?
The price of HPV vaccination depends on the vaccine chosen and the facility where it is administered. The best way to obtain information about current costs is to contact the clinic or pharmacy where you receive the vaccination directly.
Blog
Read educational articles about HPV on our blog.
This material has been provided by MSD Polska Sp. z o.o. as general information for patients. Your treating physician should be your primary source of information about your health condition and treatment; therefore, if you have any questions about your health condition or treatment, please contact your doctor. This information does not replace medical advice. Always consult your treating physician before following any advice contained in this material.