Understanding HPV Vaccination in the UAE: Who Should Get It?

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that affects both men and women worldwide. Most people who get this virus will not be affected for long, but for some, the infection can lead to severe health problems.

Fortunately, HPV vaccination can substantially help the situation. In countries like the UAE, the MoHAP, in collaboration with health authorities such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), is undertaking extensive preventive measures to stop it.

At Vesta Care, we focus on prevention through early HPV testing and by raising awareness. The aim of this post is to understand the HPV vaccine: what it is, how to get it, who needs to be vaccinated, and how our HPV testing complements vaccination programs.

What is the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine protects a person from certain types of the human papillomavirus, which is primarily transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact. In the UAE, the most common vaccination is Gardasil 9, which protects against nine types of HPV,  including both the high-risk types that lead to most cervical cancers and the low-risk types that cause genital warts.

How Does the HPV Vaccine Work?

HPV vaccines train the immune system to fight specific HPV strains before they are transmitted. Vaccines do not cure infections or related conditions, but they do reduce the risk posed by the strains they cover.

The HPV vaccine has been seen to decrease the incidence of cervical cancer by 86-90% in the populations that do receive it. Campaigns in the UAE focus on vaccinating as many people as possible before age 15 to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Vaccinating girls and decreasing the incidence of cervical cancer also has the added benefit of preventing HPV transmission in the general population.

Why is HPV Vaccination Important in the UAE?

The UAE has taken important steps to prevent HPV. Vaccination has been incorporated into the national immunizations given to school-aged children, and uptake is high. However, outside of these school programs, many families and adults seem to need further information.

While Vesta Care does not offer the HPV vaccine, we fully support national vaccination initiatives by providing HPV home testing services in Dubai. Testing aids in the early detection of high-risk infections and subsequent follow-up care.

Benefits of HPV Vaccination with HPV Testing

• Prevents infection with HPV types that cause cancer, as well as the types that cause genital warts.
• Helps to decrease the spread within families and the community.
• It is most effective when used in combination with good screening and early detection.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine? Age Groups and Recommendations

The CDC, FDA and WHO recommends HPV vaccines to these age groups:

Children and Adolescents (Ages 9–14)

• Ideal Age: 11–12 years for both boys and girls.
• It can start as young as 9 years.
• Given the strongest immune responses.
• Dosing: 2 doses, with at least 6 months between doses.

Most primary school students in the UAE are vaccinated at age 13–14.

Older Adolescents and Young Adults (Ages 15–26)

• Dosing: 3 doses, the first of which is then followed by the second 1–2 months later, then the third 6 months later.
• Recommended to catch up on vaccinations if previously not vaccinated.
• Vaccines are beneficial for both males and females.

Adults (27-45 years)

• The age limit for vaccination in the UAE is 45 years.
• Adults at higher risk are more likely to receive the vaccination than those at lower risk, especially if they have been restricted to earlier opportunities than expected.

Note: Immunocompromised individuals may require a 3-dose series regardless of age.

Who Should Not Get the HPV Vaccine?

Some people should not get the HPV vaccine or should delay getting vaccinated, such as:

• Pregnant women should wait to get vaccinated until after giving birth.
• People with moderate or severe acute illness should wait until after the illness.
• People who have experienced severe allergic reactions to the HPV vaccine or any of its ingredients or who have had a previous dose of the HPV vaccine.

Allergy-related concerns (including yeast or latex allergies) should be discussed with a healthcare provider before getting vaccinated.

Potential Side Effects of HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is very safe, with a low incidence of side effects. However, these side effects may arise:

Some common mild side effects include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
• Headaches, fatigue, or a mild fever.
• Feeling dizzy (it is recommended to sit for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine).

The chance of having a severe reaction is very, very low.

The Role of HPV Testing

The HPV vaccine is only preventative before a person is exposed to HPV, while HPV testing can detect HPV at all times, so it is very important to get tested, especially for women.

Vesta Care offers doctor-at-home and lab test-at-home services in Dubai, UAE. We only offer HPV testing services. Our main services include:

• Early detection of high-risk HPV.
• Facilitating appropriate follow-up.
• Helping women with abnormal Pap smear test results who need routine screening.

Why Choose Vesta Care for HPV Testing?

Vesta Care provides testing before any of the visible symptoms of the infection appear. The test provides complementary monitoring to the vaccination to ensure complete protection. The test will provide information to keep track of the high-risk HPV strains that could cause pre-cancerous cell changes.

Who Should Get HPV Testing with Vesta Care?

You need to get tested for HPV if you:

• Are women over the age of 30.
• Have received an abnormal Pap smear result.
• Have unexplained symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding: Discharge or Vaginal bleeding.
• Feel more secure after being vaccinated, or before entering a new relationship.

Take Action Today for a Healthier Future

The more the community knows about HPV vaccination, the better health choices it will make. The combination of a national vaccination strategy and accessible testing at home like Vesta Care provides individuals with a strong level of protection against HPV-related diseases.

If you are looking for trustworthy HPV testing at home in Dubai, need help interpreting your results, or would like some guidance on prevention, please make an appointment at Vesta Care. We are committed to supporting you with your health and well-being.