28/08/2025
Following on our post on cervical cancer and the human papilloma virus (HPV), these are the current vaccines available for HPV.
There are over 100 strains of the virus, some more harmful than others. Subtype 16 and 18 are the highest causers of cancer in South Africa.
There are three vaccines available in SA, with varying degrees of protection but all protecting against 16 and 18. Although girls are the most affected by HPV, boys can be vaccinated in addition to both protect them from the rarer male variants of HPV-associated cancers and to prevent the spread of HPV to girls.
The vaccine is aimed at children aged 9-14 years in order to protect them prior to sexual in*******se, but anyone up to 45 years can have the vaccine, regardless of previous HPV or cervical cancer.