Can someone who is HPV16 positive receive the HPV vaccine?
Apr 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
It is acceptable to receive the HPV vaccine if you are HPV16-positive. Receiving the HPV vaccine does not completely prevent cervical cancer; therefore, regular cervical cancer screening, such as Pap smears and HPV DNA testing, is still necessary. Additionally, if a patient is already infected with the HPV virus, regular follow-up and treatment are recommended to prevent disease progression and complications.
It is acceptable to receive the HPV vaccine if you are HPV16 positive.
The HPV vaccine helps prevent HPV infection, but its effectiveness may be reduced in individuals who have already been infected with HPV. If a person has tested positive for HPV 16, it indicates they are already infected with the HPV 16 strain. In this case, the vaccine does not treat the existing infection. However, vaccination is still recommended to protect against infection from other HPV strains. The HPV vaccine prevents multiple high-risk types of HPV infection, including HPV types 16 and 18, which are the primary causes of cervical cancer. Therefore, even if someone is already infected with HPV 16, getting vaccinated is still advised to prevent infection from other high-risk HPV types and reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Receiving the HPV vaccine does not completely eliminate the risk of cervical cancer, so regular cervical cancer screening—such as Pap smears and HPV DNA testing—is still necessary. Additionally, individuals who are already infected with HPV should undergo regular follow-up and treatment to prevent disease progression and complications.
