Cervavac Vaccine

Cervavac Vaccine is a vaccine used for the prevention of HPV-associated cancers, such as cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11. The vaccine works by helping your immune system develop protection against HPV before you are exposed to the virus.

Cervavac Vaccine is given as an injection, usually in 2 to 3 doses several months apart. It can be given to males and females between the ages of 9 and 26 years. Complete the full vaccination schedule for maximum benefits. Regular check-ups and screenings, like Pap smears, should still be done to monitor health even after vaccination.

The most common side effects of Cervavac Vaccine include mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fever, headache, or dizziness. These effects are usually short-lived and go away on their own. If you experience more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rash, or swelling, contact a doctor immediately. You can reduce mild side effects by resting and staying hydrated after the vaccination.

Before receiving Cervavac Vaccine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have any allergies. Avoid the vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any of its ingredients. The vaccine is not a treatment for existing HPV infections or HPV-related diseases. It is also important to continue practicing safe sexual health and attending regular medical check-ups, even after getting vaccinated, as Cervavac Vaccine does not protect against all HPV types.

Prevention of HPV-associated cancers

Prevention of Genital warts (Skin bumps on or around the genital or anal area)

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Cervavac Vaccine is a vaccine that helps the body build immunity by triggering a mild, harmless response. While this response does not cause illness, it prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, offering protection against future infections.

Q: What if you forget to take Cervavac Suspension for Injection?
A: If you missed a dose of Cervavac Vaccine, please consult your doctor.

Cervavac Vaccine helps protect against diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) such as genital warts and certain types of cancer such as cervical cancer.

It does not cure an existing HPV infection. But, it can protect you from other strains of HPV.

It is usually given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm.

Remain seated for at least 15 minutes after the injection as it may cause dizziness or fainting.

Inform your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking medicines such as high doses of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.

It does not protect against every type of HPV. Take precautions against sexually transmitted diseases and follow your doctor’s advice.

Complete the full vaccination course for maximum benefits. Even if you forget to take a dose, you can resume from where you left off. Consult with your doctor if you can resume.

Q. What is a quadrivalent vaccine?

Quadrivalent vaccine means that the vaccine protects against 4 types of human papillomavirus. The human papilloma quadrivalent vaccine is effective against diseases caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. It prevents various diseases caused by the virus but does not treat them. The diseases may include pre-cancerous lesions of the female genitals, pre-cancerous lesions of the anus, and genital warts in males as well as females, cervical and anal cancers.

Q. What is Cervavac Vaccine used for?

Cervavac Vaccine is a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—types 6, 11, 16, and 18. It helps prevent HPV-associated cancers (such as cervical, anal, vulvar, and vaginal cancers) and genital warts.

Q. Who should get vaccinated with Cervavac Vaccine?

Cervavac Vaccine is recommended for pre-teens, teens, and young adults between the ages of 9 and 26, ideally before they become sexually active, as it works best before exposure to HPV. Both males and females can benefit from the vaccine.

Q. Can I get vaccinated if I am already sexually active?

Yes, even if you are sexually active, you can still benefit from Cervavac Vaccine. However, the vaccine is most effective when given before any exposure to HPV.

Q. I didn’t get the last dose of the Cervavac Vaccine. Do I need to start over again?

No, you can just continue from where you left off. However, it would be best to consult your doctor before using Cervavac Vaccine again.

Q. Is Pap smear test (a method of cervical screening) still necessary if I have already taken Cervavac Vaccine?

Yes, vaccinated women will still need regular cervical cancer screening as the effect of the vaccine may work against most but not all HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.

Q. How well does Cervavac Vaccine work?

Cervavac Vaccine works extremely well for most of the cases. Clinical trials have shown that these types of vaccines provide close to 100% protection against cervical and vaginal cancer, genital warts, and infection caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types.

Q. Does Cervavac Vaccine carry any health risks or side effects?

Overall, Cervavac Vaccine does not have any major side effects. The most common side effects include soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, sitting for 15 minutes after the injection can reduce the risk of fainting. One may also experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or weakness. Consult your doctor if the symptoms bother you for too long.

Q. Do I need to worry about HPV if my partner and I always use a condom?

If your partner has an HPV infection (with or without symptoms), you can still get infected with HPV even if you always use a condom. The reason is that a condom cannot provide 100% protection from any sexually transmitted infection. Furthermore, HPV is mostly transmitted during sexual intercourse, it can also be transmitted due to oral sex or during genital to genital contact.

Q. Can Cervavac Vaccine be given with other vaccines?

Yes, Cervavac Vaccine can be given either simultaneously, before or after any other live or inactivated vaccines. However, each time a different syringe and a different site should be used. Studies have shown that administering this vaccine with other vaccines does not have any effect on the antibody response by the body and does not change its effectiveness. However, it is advised to consult the doctor before using any other vaccine.

Q. Is Cervavac Vaccine a live vaccine?

No, Cervavac Vaccine is not a live vaccine. Cervavac Vaccine contains virus-like particles produced from the outer protein covering of the virus (capsid) of each HPV type using DNA recombinant technology (creating DNA sequences that would not otherwise be found in the gene pool). Cervavac Vaccines do not have any viral DNA and can neither cause an infection nor cancer.

Q. How long does Cervavac Vaccine last for?

Research suggests that Cervavac Vaccine protection is effective for a very long duration. There is no evidence which indicates a decrease in protection over time. Some studies have shown that individuals who were vaccinated were protected for about 12 years. Further studies are ongoing to determine the exact duration of protection.

Q. Should girls and women be screened for cervical cancer before getting vaccinated?

No, there is no need to get an HPV test or a pap test to find out if they should get the vaccine. However, women should get screened for cervical cancer, even if they have received all the recommended shots of Cervavac Vaccine. This is because the Cervavac Vaccine does not prevent all types of cancer of the cervix.

Q. How effective is the Cervavac Vaccine?

The Cervavac Vaccine is highly effective in preventing the targeted HPV types. It also protects against the most common health problems caused by them. The vaccine is less effective in preventing HPV-related disease in young women who have already been exposed to one or more types of HPV. This is because the vaccine is only meant for the prevention of HPV-related disease, not for the treatment.

Q. How safe is the Cervavac Vaccine?

Cervavac Vaccine is safe and well tolerated among patients. The vaccines usually undergo years of testing before being licensed by the health authorities and remain under continuous monitoring for safety. Side effects with Cervavac Vaccine are mild to moderate in intensity and commonly include pain, swelling, redness at the injection site, and headache.

Q. Do males need Cervavac Vaccine?

Yes, males can benefit from Cervavac Vaccine as it helps prevent genital warts and anal cancer caused by HPV. It also reduces the spread of HPV to sexual partners.

In Prevention of HPV-associated cancers

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause many cancers, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to create antibodies that protect against these high-risk HPV strains. Early vaccination, especially before exposure to the virus, offers long-term protection and significantly reduces the risk of developing these serious cancers, contributing to better health outcomes. It is normally given between the ages of 9 and 26.

Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)

Headache

Fever

Dizziness

Nausea

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Cervavac Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Cervavac Vaccine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Information regarding the use of Cervavac Vaccine during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.

Driving:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether Cervavac Vaccine alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

Kidney:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Cervavac Vaccine in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

Liver:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Cervavac Vaccine in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Sinha A, Singh S. Immunization and Immunodeficiency. In: Paul VK, Bagga A, editors. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. 8th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publisher’s & Distributors Pvt Ltd.; 2013. pp. 200-201.
Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine [Prescribing Infroamtion]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp; 2015. [Accessed 17 Oct. 2024] (online) Available form: View
Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant [Summary of Product Characteristics]. Thane, Maharashtra: MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.; 2016. [Accessed 17 Oct. 2024] (online) Available from: View
Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (Serotypes 6, 11, 16 and 18) Vaccine (Recombinant) [Product Information]. Pune, India: Serum Institute of India; 2024. [Accessed 17 Oct. 2024] (online) Available form: View
Cervavac [Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV Types 6, 11, 16, & 18) Vaccine (Recombinant)] [Product Information]. [Accessed 17 Oct. 2024] (online) Available form: View