If the HPV vaccine is more than 2 years late, do I need to start over?

I am 24 years old, have had 2 doses of HPV vaccine, then because of Covid-19 pandemic, I forgot to get the 3rd dose for about 2 years. So do I need to start the vaccination regimen again from the beginning or not, and will late vaccination reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine? (Hoang Thao, Binh Duong)

Reply:

HPV vaccination is a simple and effective measure to help create active immunity to prevent dangerous diseases caused by HPV virus in both men and women. Full vaccination, on schedule, and with the right dose is very necessary. However, you may have a fever, inflammation or acute illness that makes you ineligible for further vaccination, or for other reasons such as traveling or returning to your hometown, so you cannot get vaccinated on schedule. In this case, you do not need to worry too much because being late does not reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.

If you miss your scheduled vaccination, you should continue to get the third dose of vaccine as soon as possible. The vaccination time can be right after the time stated in the appointment or as soon as your health recovers. You need to inform your doctor to get timely instructions for additional vaccination.

HPV vaccine needs to be injected on schedule and in full doses to be effective. Photo: Freepik — HPV vaccine needs to be injected on schedule and in full doses to be effective. Photo: *Freepik*

You should also avoid unnecessary postponement of vaccination schedule because timely vaccination helps the vaccine to maximize its protective effect, ensuring that the vaccinated person is protected from the disease early. Delaying or missing the vaccination schedule will increase the risk of exposure to HPV when the vaccinated person has not yet built up a full immune "barrier", especially when exposed to high-risk factors.

HPV vaccine is recommended for children from the age of 9, the age when immunity is best created, before children have sexual activity. Currently, VNVC has two types of HPV vaccines: Gardasil and Gardasil 9, of which Gardasil 9 is up to 94% effective in preventing cervical cancer, anal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, genital warts... caused by 9 high-risk strains of HPV virus.

Dr. Pham Hong Thuyet
Medical Management, VNVC Vaccination System

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