Cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer in humans, the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the most common cancer cause of death in the developing countries. Sexually transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most important risk factor for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cervical cancer. HPV is a member of the family Papillomaviridae. They are small, non-enveloped deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) viruses.
Two vaccines licensed globally are available in India; a quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil marketed by Merck) and a bivalent vaccine (Cervarix marketed by Glaxo Smith Kline). Both vaccines are manufactured by recombinant DNA technology that produces non-infectious VLPs comprising of the HPV L1 protein.
Gardasi is a mixture of L1 proteins of HPV serotypes 16, 18, 6 and 11 with aluminum-containing adjuvant. Clinical trials with three doses at 0, 2 and 6 months.
Cervarix is a mixture of L1 proteins of HPV serotypes 16 and 18 with AS04 as an adjuvant. Clinical trials with three doses at 0, 1 and 6 months.
Immunization during pregnancy is an effective way to protect the mother and child from infections. The immunological changes during pregnancy which may be responsible for the susceptibility of certain infectious diseases that increases the risk of more serious outcomes. Vaccination of pregnant women can protect to mother against vaccine-preventable infections, and in so doing protect the fetus. Immunization during pregnancy can also directly protect the fetus and infant via transferred of antibodies from the mother to the fetus. This is why vaccinations during pregnancy are so important. Vaccination during pregnancy is a cost-effective strategy to improve pregnancy outcomes in India. Even live vaccines causing risk to fetus is theoretical. Vaccination with inactivated virus, bacterial or toxoid in pregnancy is risk to a developing fetus during pregnancy is theoretical. But definitely the live vaccine poses a theoretical risk to a developing fetus. Therefore, all live vaccines should be avoided during pregnancy.
Tetanus 1 dose with 2nd dose of Tetanus with Diptheria and Pertussis ( Boostrix) and Influenza are most commonly given in pregnancy.
