HPV Vaccination in Bengaluru

Key takeaways

• HPV is a very common virus, and persistent infection with high-risk types causes almost all cervical cancers.
• The vaccine prevents infection; it does not treat an existing infection.
• The ideal age is 9–14 years, but catch-up vaccination is worthwhile later too.
• Side effects are usually mild, such as a sore arm or brief dizziness.
• Vaccinated women still need regular cervical screening (Pap or HPV test).

What is HPV and why does vaccination matter?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Most people are infected at some point, and in most the body clears the virus within two years.

When high-risk types, especially HPV 16 and 18, persist, they can cause changes in the cervix that may progress to cancer over 10–20 years. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in Indian women, and it is largely preventable through vaccination and screening. HPV can also cause cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus and throat, and low-risk types (6 and 11) cause genital warts.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls from 9 years of age, ideally before they become sexually active, with catch-up vaccination for older girls and young women.

*The exact schedule depends on the vaccine brand and current national guidance. WHO now accepts a single-dose schedule for younger age groups in public programmes; Dr. Divya will advise the schedule that suits you.

Vaccination can be considered even if you have had sex or an abnormal Pap test, as it protects against HPV types you have not yet encountered. It is also useful for women with weakened immunity, who usually need three doses.

Who should wait or avoid it

• Pregnant women: vaccination is postponed until after delivery (breastfeeding is fine).
• Anyone with a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a vaccine component, such as yeast.
• Those with a high fever should wait until they recover.

Which HPV vaccines are available in India?

Several vaccines are available, including a quadrivalent vaccine (types 6, 11, 16, 18), the Indian-made quadrivalent vaccine, and a nonavalent vaccine that covers nine HPV types. All protect strongly against HPV 16 and 18; the nonavalent vaccine covers additional cancer-causing types. Dr. Divya will explain the options available at the time of your visit.

What to expect: step by step

1. Consultation: a short discussion of age, health, allergies, pregnancy status and previous vaccines.
2. Choosing the vaccine and schedule: based on age and preference.
3. Vaccination: a single injection into the upper arm muscle, taking a few seconds.
4. Observation: you sit for about 15 minutes afterwards, because fainting can occur, especially in teenagers.
5. Record and reminders: the dose is recorded and the next dose date is given.
6. Completing the course: all doses should be completed for full protection; a missed dose can be given later without restarting.

How effective is the HPV vaccine?

When given before exposure, HPV vaccines prevent more than 90% of infections and precancerous changes caused by the types they cover. Large population studies, including from Scotland and Sweden, show dramatic drops in cervical precancer and cancer among women vaccinated in adolescence.

Protection is strongest when the vaccine is given young and the full course is completed. It is lower in women who have already been infected with the covered types, and no vaccine covers every cancer-causing HPV type, which is why screening remains essential.

What are the side effects?

HPV vaccines have an excellent safety record, with hundreds of millions of doses given worldwide.

• Common: pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, headache, tiredness.
• Occasional: fainting shortly after the injection, mainly in adolescents.
• Very rare: severe allergic reaction.

Studies have not found any link between HPV vaccination and infertility, autoimmune disease or early menopause.

Aftercare

You can resume normal activities immediately. A cold compress and paracetamol can ease a sore arm. Note the date of your next dose, and from age 25 or 30, continue cervical screening as advised.

What does HPV vaccination cost?

The cost depends on the vaccine type (quadrivalent or nonavalent), the number of doses needed for your age, and the consultation fee. Some government programmes offer free vaccination to girls in certain age groups.

When to see a doctor

Book a visit for HPV vaccination for your daughter from age 9, or for yourself if you have not been vaccinated. See a gynaecologist promptly for bleeding after sex or between periods, unusual vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain, as these need examination regardless of vaccination status.

Why choose Dr. Divya Venugopalan?

Dr. Divya Venugopalan is a gynaecologist with over 14 years of experience, an MBBS from KIMS, a DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and a Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine. She takes time to answer questions from both parents and teenagers, and can combine vaccination with advice on periods and adolescent health, or with cervical screening as part of routine gynaecology care.

She consults in English, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu at Thanisandra, Sahakar Nagar and HRBR Layout. Book a consultation.