HPV vaccine
The best way to protect yourself against HPV infection and the cellular changes or cancer that it causes is the HPV vaccine, which provides protection against the most common high-risk HPV viruses.
HPV vaccine – protection against infection
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before becoming sexually active. Thanks to HPV vaccines, fewer people will become ill and die of the serious cancers it causes.
The HPV vaccine may also be useful when taken as an adult, and there is no upper age limit for vaccination. If you have already been infected with HPV, the vaccine can protect you against HPV types that you have not yet encountered.
Using a condom reduces the risk of HPV infection, but it does not provide complete protection, as the virus can also be transmitted through the skin of the genital area.
Two different HPV vaccines are available in Finland
Cervarix, a vaccine containing two HPV types, is given free of charge to girls and boys aged 10 to 12 years as part of Finland’s national vaccination programme. Vaccination of both sexes provides the best protection against HPV infections and the resulting precursors and cancers. This HPV vaccine does not contain condyloma protection.
Gardasil 9, a prescription medication not included in the vaccination programme, contains nine types of HPV. Of these, seven provide protection against high-risk HPV types and two against low-risk HPV types that cause condyloma. The vaccine is intended for use in children from 9 years of age, adolescents and adults. In principle, there is no upper age limit for vaccination. The vaccine does not contain a live virus, which is why it is also suitable for immunocompromised people.
Gardasil 9 vaccine dose
For 9–14-year-olds, two doses of the vaccine are recommended, the second being administered 5 to 13 months after the first dose.
For people over 15 years of age, three doses of the vaccine are recommended, the second being administered two months after the first vaccination and the third being administered six months after the first vaccine.
If necessary, you can discuss the HPV vaccine with a Mehiläinen gynaecologist, general practitioner or paediatrician , for example.
Sources:
Papilloomavirus (HPV) ja kondylooma naisella, Terveyskirjasto.fi External link
HPV-rokote, Terveyskirjasto.fi External link
Parempaaelamaa.fi External link
Specialist in the article
Service | Price |
---|---|
Hepatitis B vaccine | 110,80 € No Kela reimbursement |
Human papilloma (HPV) vaccine Price per vaccination. See our flexible payment methods. Book an appointment for HPV vaccination | 233,70 € No Kela reimbursement |
Polio vaccine | 67,80 € No Kela reimbursement |
RSV vaccine | 265,30 € No Kela reimbursement |
Measles-mumps-rubella (MPR) vaccine | 65,70 € No Kela reimbursement |
Varicella vaccine | 114,20 € No Kela reimbursement |
Shingles vaccine Price per vaccination. You have to get the vaccine yourself if it is not already available at the location. See more information and instructions (in Finnish). Book an appointment for the shingles vaccination | 248,90 € No Kela reimbursement |
Frequently asked questions about the HPV vaccine
You can protect yourself against HPV infection and the cellular changes or cancer that it causes with the HPV vaccine, which provides protection against the most common high-risk HPV viruses.
HPV vaccines do not contain a live virus, which is why they are also suitable for immunocompromised people.
The HPV vaccine is intended to protect against and prevent diseases caused by the HPV virus (papillomavirus).
The HPV vaccine is intended for persons over the age of 9.
In Finland, the HPV vaccine is offered in the national vaccination programme for girls and boys aged 10 to 12 years. Vaccination of both sexes provides the best protection against HPV infections and the resulting precursors and cancers.
Yes. In Finland, the HPV vaccine is offered in the national vaccination programme for girls and boys aged 10 to 12 years. Vaccination of both sexes provides the best protection against HPV infections and the resulting precursors and cancers.
Yes. Men can also get the HPV vaccine.
If you are pregnant, suspect that you may be pregnant or you are planning to have a baby or you are breast-feeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
If necessary, you can discuss the HPV vaccine with a Mehiläinen gynaecologist or general practitioner , for example.