human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant, adjuvanted papillomavirus vaccine
Usual role
Prevention of selected HPV-related precancerous lesions, cancers and genital warts
Administration
Given by intramuscular injection, usually into the upper arm
Important limitation
Does not clear existing HPV or replace cervical screening
What is human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine used for?
Licensed from 9 years of age for active immunisation against diseases caused by the HPV types included in the vaccine.
Precancerous lesions and cancers affecting the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus caused by vaccine HPV types
Genital warts caused by specified HPV types
How does human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine work?
Purified HPV outer-shell proteins are assembled into virus-like particles. These cannot infect cells or cause HPV disease, but stimulate antibodies that can respond to later exposure to the included HPV types.
How to take human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine
A trained healthcare professional injects the vaccine into a muscle, preferably in the upper arm or upper outer thigh. Tell the vaccinator if you feel unwell, have previously fainted with injections or have a bleeding disorder.
Food and drink do not affect vaccination.
Remain seated or lying down if you are prone to fainting; observation after vaccination helps prevent injury.
A minor illness is not usually a reason to postpone vaccination, but an acute severe fever may be.
human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain, swelling or redness at the injection site
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick
- Fever or tiredness
- Itching or bruising at the injection site
Get urgent medical advice
- Signs of anaphylaxis, including breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, widespread hives or collapse
- Fainting around vaccination, which may cause injury
human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine in pregnancy
Vaccination is usually postponed until pregnancy has ended because information is insufficient to recommend routine use during pregnancy. Available data have not identified harm after inadvertent exposure; discuss remaining vaccination with the immunisation team or prescriber.
human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine while breastfeeding
The vaccine can be given while breastfeeding. As a non-infectious vaccine, it does not pose an infection risk to the breastfed infant.
human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine interactions
Clinically important medicine interactions are limited, but immune response and injection safety may be affected in some circumstances.
Potent immunosuppressive medicines
The immune response may be reduced, although immunosuppression is not itself a contraindication to this non-live vaccine.
Anticoagulants or medicines affecting bleeding
Intramuscular injection may cause bruising or bleeding. The vaccinator should assess injection technique and apply firm pressure afterwards.
Common questions about human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can this vaccine treat an existing HPV infection?
No. It does not clear active HPV or treat established lesions, cancer or genital warts.
Can this vaccine cause HPV infection?
No. Its virus-like particles cannot infect cells, reproduce or cause HPV disease.
Can it help someone who is already sexually active?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.