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| Why choose Surrey Travel Clinic? |
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- Convenient daytime, evening and weekend appointments
- Complete travel service
- Modern air conditioned facilities
- Competetive prices
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| HPV vaccine |
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What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a sexually transmitted
disease associated with genital warts as well as a pre-disposition
to cancer of the cervix in females.
What is Gardasil?
Gardasil is a recombinant (artificially manufactured)
HPV vaccine made by Sanofi-Pasteur and approved for use
in the EU. The license approval covers use in children
and adolescents aged 9 to 15 years and in adult females
aged 16 to 26 years for the prevention of cervical cancer,
high-grade cervical or vulval dysplasias/ precancers as
well as external genital warts (condylomata acuminata)
caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. These are the commonest
(but not the only) viruses associated with cancer of the
cervix which kills thousands of women in the UK every
year. HPV vaccination provides the best protection against
HPV infection that is available for persons having unprotected
sexual intercourse with a previously infected partner.
The results of the infection are not always obvious, so
unless the two partners are both virgins or abstinence
is complete, vaccination is advised. Vaccinated persons
are NOT protected against other forms of sexually transmitted
infection and barrier methods such as condoms are still
advised for both heterosexual and homosexual intercourse.
Note that HPV vaccination does not eliminate the need
for regular cervical smear checks as (a) the infection
may have been already acquired, and (b) not all viruses
causing cancer are covered. Protection against the 4 type
of virus lasts for at least 5 years after completing the
full course which consists of three doses by intramuscular
injection in the upper arm - usually given at 0, 2 and
6 months. Alternative schedules are possible but it is
recommended there should be at least 1 month between the
first and the second dose, and at least 3 months between
the second and the third, and all doses should be given
within one year.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects are very uncommon as this is NOT a live vaccine;
they usually consist of no more than some redness and
soreness at the site of the injection which lasts a few
days. Very occasionally an allergic reaction may follow
such as hives or urticaria. However, HPV vaccine should
NOT be used in people who may be hypersensitive (allergic)
to the active substance or any of the other ingredients;
if a patient shows signs of an allergy after a dose of
the vaccine, (s)he should not receive further doses of
the vaccine. Vaccination should be postponed in patients
who are ill with a high fever, also patients who are pregnant,
as safety in pregnancy has not been fully assessed; however,
vaccination is not contraindicated in breast feeding women.
The vaccine may be given with Hep B vaccines but has not
been cleared for co-administration with other vaccines.
In patients who are HIV positive or immuno-compromised
for other reasons (e.g. taking strong arthritis medications
such as methotrexate), the normal immune reaction may
not be sufficient to prevent subsequent infection in spite
of a full course. So although immunisation is not contraindicated
in such individuals, it is wise not to assume full protection
and repeat courses may be necessary.
Pricing Information
Each Gardasil injection costs £130 per dose (normal
course three doses at 0, 2 and 6 months).
Further Information
For more information visit www.gardasil.co.uk.
Please do not hesitate to email us at enquiries@surreytravelclinic.co.uk
or call us on 01737 366221 if you have any further questions
or wish to book your HPV vaccination course. |
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