Quadrivalent Vaccine – What Should You Know About It?

Human Papilloma Virus (or HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that is associated with a wide range of infectious illnesses and complications. The quadrivalent vaccine is indicated to prevent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in human subjects as well as complications associated with the infection.

Safety And Effectiveness Of Quadrivalent Vaccine

Most vaccines are associated with a mild to moderate risk of adverse effects or complications depending upon the active component of the vaccine. In the similar fashion, HPV is also associated with a risk of adverse effects in some genetically predisposed individuals. For example, it has been reported that people who take HPV vaccine suffers from fainting episodes on the day of vaccination. Another group of researchers claimed that HPV vaccination is associated with a serious risk of developing skin infections within two weeks of getting vaccination.

Needless to say, that negative publicity and fear of severe consequences greatly affect the compliance and acceptance of women to consider HPV vaccination, according to a new study reported in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics (1).

Does Quadrivalent Vaccine Increases Risk Of Adverse Effects?

As part of the post license requirements, manufacturers of quadrivalent vaccine carried out a retrospective study on 190,000 females, including young women and girls aged between 9 to 26. The purpose was to collect data to support the general safety of HPV vaccine.

The research study was started soon after the approval of vaccine and ended when 44,000 women got their 3 dose shots as per the initially devised schedule, named as “three dose population”. Another group was also created, and named as “any dose group”. This group included females who either got one or two shots or got three doses but not in accordance with the pre- set schedule.

The medical records of 189,629 vaccinated females (who were enrolled in healthcare systems of Northern and Southern California Kaiser Permanente) were reviewed to find out if they had visited emergency department or were admitted within 60 days of receiving the shots. With the help of diagnostic codes, the rate of events within this time frame were compared with the rates of admissions during 180 days of receiving shots.

Upon review, it was reported that risk of adverse effects or complications after HPV vaccination is fairly high. According to researchers, the skin infection is most frequently due to site reaction to vaccine components. It was also suggested that episodes of syncope (transient loss of consciousness) can be due to shot trauma instead of vaccine itself because earlier studies did not show a higher risk of fainting after HPV vaccination when compared with other vaccines. The process of immunization is generally related to syncope, especially in people of younger age due to anxiety or panic.

Overall results showed that quadrivalent vaccine against HPV is generally safe. However, study was designed to observe safety issues within 60 days after vaccination due to which long term issues may be overlooked. Furthermore, despite being a large group study, the very rare outcomes are often missed in such studies.

Are Women Ready For HPV Vaccination?

According to a new study reported in the Gynecologic Oncology, investigators studied the willingness of women to consider HPV vaccine for themselves and for their young children. It was identified that regardless of the negative publicity and hype of adverse effects associated with vaccine use, more than 77% women disclosed their interest in considering HPV vaccine to minimize the risk of serious complications. Likewise, 67% women responded positively to HPV vaccination for their children. It is imperative to keep in mind that minor side effects are nothing when compared against the potential benefits of vaccine, Speak to your doctor if you are interested in HPV vaccination.

References

• Sotiriadis, A., Dagklis, T., Siamanta, V., Chatzigeorgiou, K., Agorastos, T., & LYSISTRATA Study Group. (2012). Increasing fear of adverse effects drops intention to vaccinate after the introduction of prophylactic HPV vaccine. Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, 285(6), 1719-1724.
• Morimoto, A., Ueda, Y., Egawa-Takata, T., Yagi, A., Terai, Y., Ohmichi, M., ... & Nakai, H. (2015). Effect on HPV vaccination in Japan resulting from news report of adverse events and suspension of governmental recommendation for HPV vaccination. International journal of clinical oncology, 20(3), 549-555.
• Slomovitz, B. M., Sun, C. C., Frumovitz, M., Soliman, P. T., Schmeler, K. M., Pearson, H. C., ... & Bodurka, D. C. (2006). Are women ready for the HPV vaccine?. Gynecologic oncology, 103(1), 151-154.