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Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Vaccine for €390

The Tropical Medical Bureau is now able to provide the vaccination against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) at €390 for Cervarix or €480 for Gardasil, this includes the consultation fee. This includes the cost of the consultation fee on the first visit and the 3 doses of the vaccine. Phone 1850-487 674 for an appointment in one of our participating clinics or book online.

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Introduction

In Europe, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among young women (between the ages of 15-44). In Ireland there is an average of 180 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed and 73 deaths reported each year. Before the screening programme came into place deaths from cervical cancer had been increasing by a rate of 1.5% per year since 1978. There is no new data available yet since the programme came into place last year. HPV is a vaccine intended for females from 10 to 25 years of age and protects against HPV types 16 and 18 which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases. When a female is vaccinated with HPV the immune system will make antibodies against HPV types 16 & 18. In clinical trials HPV has been shown to prevent HPV types 16 & 18 in women 15-25 years of age and will stimulate the production of antibodies in females from 10-14 years of age.

What is this vaccine for?

The Vaccine protects you against 70% of the viruses (HPV type 16 and 18) that are linked to cervical cancer.

What is human papillomavirus?

The human papilloma virus is passed on by direct skin contact during sex. Most women who have sex will have HPV at some point in their lives. In fact, this virus is so common that even if you have only one sexual partner in your lifetime, you could still be infected. Condoms do not give full protection against it. It is important to remember that having HPV is not a problem in itself and most women have had it. Most of them get rid of the virus within a short time. Because it has no symptoms, they are unaware they have had it. But a small number of women have trouble getting rid of it, especially if they smoke. These women are at a higher risk of cervical cancer. There are many different types of HPV, over 100 in fact, and most do not cause any problems. Some are of low risk and can cause genital warts. Others are of high risk and can cause cervical cancer. These are types 16, 18, 31 and 33.

What is the difference bewteen Cervarix and Gardasil?

Cervarix is made by GlaxoSmithKline and protects against (HPV type 16 and 18). Gardasil is made Sanofi Pasteur MSD in addition to protecting against HPV type 16 and 18 it also protects against genital warts. TMB provides bother types of vaccine.

Is the vaccine safe?

The vaccine is licensed for use by the Irish Medicine Board that confirms and monitors the safety of medicines.

Are there any side effects?

The most common are injection site reactions that can occur with any vaccine such as local soreness and swelling, some people get a rash or headaches. On the day of the vaccination you will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after your appointment to ensure that there is no immediate reaction.

Who should get the vaccine?

All girls from the age of 10 up to the age of 25 years.

Should I still go for smear tests after I’m vaccinated?

Yes. The Vaccine does not take the place cervical cancer screenings. You should always follow your doctor or healthcare professional's advice on getting smears. Smear test looks for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become pre-cancerous or cervical cancer.

Why is the vaccination administered over 3 visits at 0, 1 month, and 6 months?

Not everyone is protected after the first vaccine and it takes three vaccines to achieve the highest level of immunity. A booster dose may be required at a later date and this is currently being researched by the companies who make the vaccine.

Why is the vaccine not covered under the medical card scheme?

Although there is government funding in some other countries for vaccination of the population the Department of Health and Children have postponed a decision with regard to Ireland pending budgetary improvement.

Which types of human papillomavirus cause more serious consequences?

About 40 types of human papillomavirus affect the genital area. Some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that sometimes turn into cancer. Some types can cause external genital lesions like vulval and vaginal lesions, and genital warts.

How common is human papillomavirus?

Human papillomavirus is very common, easily transmitted and can be totally symptomless. Human papillomaviruses affect both women and men, and the majority of us will encounter this virus at some point in our life. Sexual relations that involve genital contact with someone carrying genital papillomaviruses, could result in infection. Genital contact with a single partner who has human papillomavirus is sufficient to cause infection. It has been shown that most people now contract the human papillomavirus in adolescence.

How will I know if I have human papillomavirus?

Most women learn they have human papillomavirus as a result of abnormal cervical smear tests. A cervical smear test (also known as a smear test) is part of a gynaecological exam that can help detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become pre-cancerous or cervical cancer.

How do you get human papillomavirus?

Any person who has genital contact with an infected person can get human papillomavirus. It is possible to be infected without having sexual intercourse. And therefore, because many people who have the virus may not show any signs or symptoms, the virus can be transmitted without their knowledge.

How is cervical cancer related to human papillomavirus?

Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of a common virus, human papillomavirus.

How common is cervical cancer?

In Europe, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among young women (between the ages of 15-44). In Europe 40 women die each day of cervical cancer. In Ireland there are approximately 180 new cases of cervical cancer every year and 73 deaths. This means in Ireland, 6 women on average die each month from cervical cancer.

What are abnormal cervical cells?

Abnormal cervical cells are cells in the lining of the cervix that have changed in appearance. These changes are often called cervical dysplasia and the abnormal cells are detected by cervical smear tests. The more severe the cervical abnormality, the more likely it is that cervical cancer could develop in the future. Most often this can take a number of years, but more rarely it can happen in a shorter time span.