Hi there<\/p>\n
Thanks for your questions.<\/p>\n
It is great that you are doing so well on treatment – and also that your doctor is looking at other ways to keep you well.<\/p>\n
The following information covers most of the things people want to know about.<\/p>\n
Please let us know if you have other questions.<\/p>\n
The HPV vaccine protects against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).<\/strong><\/p>\n HPV is actually a family of more than 150 related viruses, a few of which are associated with serious cancers. Several viruses cause warts, including genital warts.<\/p>\n Having the HPV vaccine can protect you against the viruses that have higher risks for harm.<\/p>\n The vaccines can therefore protect you against these cancers in the future.<\/p>\n Yes, The HPV vaccines are very safe and very effective.<\/strong><\/p>\n They have already been widely used in young people – just before or during adolescence – the vaccine has provided really strong protection against cancers and genital warts.<\/p>\n The vaccine is also recommended in people living with HIV because we can also benefit from the vaccine.<\/p>\n Vaccines work in a different way to HIV meds.<\/strong><\/p>\n They are very safe to use together.<\/p>\n The vaccine will not interact with your HIV meds in any way.<\/p>\n People living with HIV have higher rates of HPV infection than the general population.<\/strong><\/p>\n We are more likely to have greater numbers of different types of HPV.<\/p>\n We also have higher rates of HPV-related cancers, even if we are on effective ART.<\/p>\n These are reasons why people living with HIV are offered the HPV vaccine when we are older.<\/p>\n People living with HIV need three doses of the vaccine.<\/strong><\/p>\n The second and third doses are roughly one month and six months after the first dose.<\/p>\n The timing doesn’t need to be exact though.<\/p>\n It is even okay if the doses are a few months later, especially the last shot.<\/p>\n It is important to complete the three doses though.<\/p>\n Vaccine doses can be very flexible.<\/strong><\/p>\n This is not like adherence to HIV meds where you don’t want to miss or be late with a dose.<\/p>\n The timing of the schedule above is just a guide.<\/p>\n The vaccine response will be just as good, even if you are a month or two later than planned.<\/p>\n Many of the HPV strains are commonly transmitted just by having sex.<\/strong><\/p>\n Most of us already have some HPV without realising it because the strains are not tested for.<\/p>\n The vaccines still protect against the other strains that we might not have.<\/p>\n Even if you have had warts, the vaccine is still recommended.<\/p>\n The British HIV Association (BHIVA) produce guidelines that cover more than 20 vaccines that are used in people living with HIV.<\/strong><\/p>\n This includes the HPV vaccine.<\/p>\n Although the language is quite technical, it is a good reference for more detailed information.<\/p>\nIs the HPV vaccine safe?<\/h2>\n
Will the vaccine interact with or affect my HIV meds?<\/h2>\n
Why am I being offered the HPV vaccine?<\/h2>\n
How many doses will I need?<\/h2>\n
How flexible is the vaccine schedule?<\/h2>\n
Do I need the vaccine if I already have HPV or if I have had warts?<\/h2>\n
Where can I get more information?<\/h2>\n