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This article will introduce you to the cervical cancer vaccine, also known as the HPV vaccine — a vaccine that does more than just protect against cervical cancer.
You’ll learn why you should get vaccinated, who can receive the vaccine, the differences between the 4-valent and 9-valent HPV vaccines, possible side effects, and the vaccine cost.
Find all the answers in this article.
HPVWhat You Should Know Before Getting the HPV Vaccine
- What Is the HPV Vaccine?
- Is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine Really Necessary?
- What Does the HPV Vaccine Protect Against?
- 4-Valent HPV Vaccine (Gardasil)
- 9-Valent HPV Vaccine (Gardasil 9)
- Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
- When Should You Get Vaccinated?
- Possible Side Effects of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine
- HPV Vaccine Price
What Is the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine, also known as the cervical cancer vaccine, is an injection designed to protect against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — a virus that can cause several diseases, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts. HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
This vaccine helps prevent infection from specific HPV strains, not all types of the virus. Currently, there are three types of HPV vaccines available: the bivalent (2-valent), quadrivalent (4-valent), and 9-valent vaccines.
Is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine Really Necessary?
Yes, the cervical cancer vaccine is highly recommended to be administered early. Different types of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) carry varying levels of risk — some strains can cause cancer.
There are 15 high-risk HPV types known to be associated with genital infections: types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, and 73. Getting vaccinated helps protect against these high-risk strains and significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical and other HPV-related cancers.
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HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases.
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HPV types 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, and 73 account for the remaining 30% of cervical cancer cases.
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Other HPV types are considered low-risk and rarely lead to cancer.
HPV can cause several types of cancer, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and throat cancer. It can also cause genital warts, which, although treatable, often recur.
Therefore, getting the cervical cancer vaccine is a valuable health investment, providing strong protection against HPV-related diseases and helping reduce long-term health risks.
What Does the HPV Vaccine Protect Against?
The HPV vaccine provides protection against several HPV-related conditions, including:
- Cervical cancer
- Genital warts
- Anal cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Throat (oropharyngeal) cancer
- Penile cancer
- Tumors caused by HPV infection in the larynx
9-Valent HPV Vaccine (Gardasil 9)
- The 9-valent HPV vaccine is the recommended option because it protects against nine HPV strains: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
- This vaccine is up to 90% effective in preventing cervical cancer, which is significantly higher than the 4-valent vaccine. It also provides over 90% protection against genital warts.
- For individuals who may have already been exposed to certain HPV strains, Gardasil 9 can still help prevent infection from other strains, offering broader protection.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is suitable for all genders, both males and females, especially for those who have not yet become sexually active, ideally between the ages of 9 and 26.
Females
For women, this vaccine is particularly important as it helps prevent cervical cancer, which is highly prevalent in Thailand. It also protects against other HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
Males
Although some may think the cervical cancer vaccine is only for women, men can also benefit from the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against HPV-related cancers other than cervical cancer, including anal cancer, throat cancer, penile cancer, and genital warts.
When Should You Get the HPV Vaccine?
To achieve the best effectiveness, the HPV vaccine should ideally be administered before becoming sexually active, typically between the ages of 9 and 26.
For individuals over 26 years old, vaccination may still be considered, but additional factors such as previous HPV exposure and medical history should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- For individuals over 26 years old who have never been sexually active, HPV vaccination is still recommended. The vaccine provides the best protection for those who have not yet had sexual contact, and receiving it at this stage also helps establish early immunity against HPV.
- For individuals over 26 years old who have already been sexually active, especially those who have previously been exposed to HPV, the body may already have natural immunity, so the HPV vaccine may not be as beneficial.
However, for those who have not yet been infected with HPV, vaccination can still provide protection. Consulting a healthcare professional before getting the vaccine is strongly recommended.
Possible Side Effects of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine
Side effects from the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine are usually mild, such as:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Mild fever
Severe reactions are rare, but may occur in individuals with a history of allergic reactions to other vaccines, so medical history should be carefully reviewed.
Fainting or lightheadedness is relatively common, especially in adolescents. To prevent injury from fainting, it is recommended that recipients sit and rest for 15 minutes after receiving the HPV vaccine.
HPV Vaccine Prices
4-Valent HPV Vaccine
- Single dose: 4,500 THB per shot (total 3 doses required)
- Package of 3 doses: 11,900 THB
9-Valent HPV Vaccine
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Single dose: 8,900 THB per shot (total 3 doses required)
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Package of 3 doses: 23,900 THB
In addition to receiving the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine, it is also important to undergo cervical cancer screening. While the vaccine provides high protection, it does not prevent cervical cancer 100%, especially for women who have already been sexually active or those over 30 years old. Married women in this age group are advised to have regular cervical cancer screenings.
You can receive both HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening at any Intouch Medicare Clinic branch near you. Simply search for “HPV vaccine near me” on Google to find the closest location.
References
- Dr. Rudiwilai Samkoset, HPV Vaccine
- Dr. Chanwalee Srisukho, Women’s Health: In-Depth Look at Diseases Women Should Know
- Q&A: Vaccines – A Key Weapon in Preventing Serious Diseases
Interesting Articles
- Pelvic examination and cervical cancer screening
- Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
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Latest edit : 28/10/2025
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