Cervarix: hpv vaccine

Cervarix is a vaccine that protects against diseases caused by HPV, which is the Human Papillomavirus, as well as helping to prevent the appearance of precancerous lesions in the genital region of women and children over 9 years of age.

The vaccine should be applied to the arm muscle by a nurse and should only be used after the doctor's recommendation.

Cervarix indications

Cervarix is a vaccine that protects girls over 9 years old and women up to 25 years old against some diseases caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus, such as cancer of the uterus, vulva or vagina and precancerous lesions of the cervix, which can become cancer.

The vaccine protects against HPV type 16 and 18 viruses, which are responsible for most cases of cancer, and should not be used to treat diseases caused by HPV at the time of vaccination. Find out about another vaccine that protects against more types at: Gardasil.

How to take Cervarix

Cervarix is applied via an injection into the muscle of the arm by a nurse or doctor at the health post, hospital or clinic. For a teenager over 15 years of age to be fully protected, she must take 3 doses of the vaccine, being that:

1st dose: on the chosen date, 2nd dose: 1 month after the first dose, 3rd dose: 6 months after the first dose.

If it is necessary to change this vaccination schedule, the second dose must be applied within 2.5 months after the first, and the third dose between 5 and 12 months after the first.

After buying the vaccine, it should be kept in the packaging and kept in the refrigerator between 2ºC and 8ºC until you go to the nurse to get the vaccine.

Side effects of Cervarix

Generally, the side effects of Cervarix appear at the injection site, such as pain, discomfort, redness and swelling at the injection site, However, headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, skin hives, joint pain, fever, sore muscles, muscle weakness or tenderness may also appear. See what you should do at: Vaccine Adverse Reactions.

Contraindications for Cervarix

Cervarix is contraindicated for patients with a serious infection with a temperature above 38ºC, and may postpone its administration for one week after treatment. It should also not be used by women who are breastfeeding.

In addition, for patients with allergies to any of the components of the Cervarix formula, they cannot get the vaccine.

For more details on HPV read: