Cervical Cancer Vaccine
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes significant infections of the genital mucosa.
It can be divided into 2 types: Low-risk strains, such as types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts and laryngeal papillomatosis in children.
The other type includes high-risk strains, such as types 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45. Strains 16 and 18 are the primary cause of up to 70% of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer in women.
A natural infection does not prevent infection from other strains and does not produce a high enough immune response to prevent reinfection. This vaccine is therefore sometimes called the "cervical cancer vaccine."
There are 3 types of HPV vaccines available in Thailand:
- Bivalent HPV vaccine: Covers strains 16 and 18.
- Quadrivalent HPV vaccine: Covers strains 6, 11, 16, and 18.
- 9-valent HPV vaccine: Covers strains 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
HPV Vaccination Schedule
- Ages 9-14: 2 doses, given 6-12 months apart.
- Ages 15–45: 3 doses, given at 0, 1-2, and 6 months.
For the best efficacy, the vaccine should be administered during childhood or before sexual debut, as it cannot prevent disease from a pre-existing infection.
About the 9-valent HPV Vaccine
There are more than 150 strains of the HPV virus. It is a major cause of epithelial infections and diseases in the genital and anal areas in both males and females.
The 9-valent vaccine includes non-cancer-causing (low-risk) types that can cause genital warts, namely strains 6 and 11, and cancer-causing (high-risk) types, including 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
By covering more strains than other HPV vaccines, the 9-valent HPV vaccine provides broader protection against HPV-related diseases.
Disease Prevention with the 9-valent HPV Vaccine
The 9-valent HPV vaccine helps prevent diseases in both men and women as follows:
Disease prevention in females aged 9-45:
- Cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among Thai women.
- Vulvar and vaginal cancers.
- Precancerous lesions of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus.
- Anal cancer.
- Genital warts.
Disease prevention in males aged 9-45:
- Anal cancer.
- Certain types of head and neck cancers, such as throat and oral cancers.
- Precancerous anal lesions.
- Genital warts.
Information to provide your doctor before receiving the 9-valent HPV vaccine:
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- If you have immune system problems, such as HIV or cancer.
- If you are taking medications that affect the immune system.
- If you have a fever higher than 37.8°C.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine or any other vaccine.
- If you are taking any medications for chronic conditions, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The doctor will assess potential risks and help decide whether you or your child should receive the vaccine.
Potential Side Effects After Receiving the 9-valent HPV Vaccine
The most common side effects include pain, swelling, redness, or a lump at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or a sore throat. These symptoms are not dangerous and usually resolve on their own.
However, you must inform a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or wheezing (bronchospasm), hives, or a rash.
If I've already had the 2-valent or 4-valent HPV vaccine, can I get the 9-valent type?
Yes, you can. You will need to complete the full course of shots to stimulate immunity against the strains you have not yet been covered for. You should inform your doctor that you have been vaccinated before.
A doctor may recommend a Pap Smear or an HPV DNA test, because if you have been previously infected, the vaccine cannot help prevent or treat diseases caused by that specific virus strain.
Additional Recommendations
- Those who receive the 9-valent HPV vaccine, both men and women, still need to undergo regular risk screening for diseases such as cervical, vaginal, or anal cancer.
- The HPV vaccine cannot treat an existing HPV infection in individuals who were infected before vaccination.
- Individuals who are already sexually active can also receive the HPV vaccine. However, it will not treat or prevent the HPV strains they have already been exposed to. It is advisable to consult a doctor before receiving the service.
Note
- Prices are valid from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
- The hospital reserves the right to change prices without prior notice.
For More Information
- Health Check-up & Vaccine Center, 2nd Floor, Building 1, Tel. 043 002 002 ext. 2504
- Health Information Center, ext. 1905
