Vaccine Cervarix Human Papillomavirus SM

CERVARIX is a vaccine used in females from 10 to 45 years of age to prevent early stage cervical cancers (pre-cancerous lesions), pap smear abnormalities and cervical cancer caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV) types 16 and 18. HPV is a very common virus which affects humans. More than 100 types of HPV have been identified, most of which are harmless. About 30 types are spread through sexual contact, of which some types can cause visible genital warts, while others can cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers. HPV 16 and 18 belong to the group of HPVs that cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers. When a person is given the vaccine, the immune system (the body's natural defence system) will make antibodies against HPV. These antibodies are expected to protect against disease caused by HPV. As with all vaccines, CERVARIX may not completely protect all people who are vaccinated against the human papillomavirus infections it is intended to prevent. If you are already infected with HPV at initiation of the vaccination course, CERVARIX is not expected to induce regression of the lesions and may not be able to protect you against the disease progression.