How Effective If HPV Vaccination After Exposure?

Posted on Wed, 24 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 Answered on

Fri, 6 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Once having hpv can repeated exposure result in infection. Is vaccination for hpv effective after exposure?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HPV vaccine not indicated after exposure for prevention of warts/malignancy

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Vaccines are two types.
1. Prophylactic vaccines
2. Therapeutic vaccines.
HPV vaccine is a prophylactic vaccine. It could be effective for prevention. That is HPV vaccine has to be given well ahead of starting sexual activities. Not advisable following exposure.
Two types of vaccines are available in market.
1. Bivalent---- Offers prtecion against two common strain which can be a cause for cervical malignancy.
2.Quadrivalent-- Offers protection against 4 strains and can be able to prevent Genital wart infection and also genital malignancy.
DR S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (14 hours later)

After recovery from hpv infection, is re-infection likely with re-exposure?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Reinfection is possible with a fresh exposure.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
HPV infection doesn't offer a lifetime immunity. So reinfection is possible after a cure, with a fresh exposure.
Dr S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar