After you hear the test result, a question can come up: “I am already infected, so what is the point of getting vaccinated?” To understand the answer, you need to separate what the current test confirmed from what the vaccine is meant to prevent from now on.
What does a positive result tell you?
An HPV test and cervical cytology have different purposes. An HPV test looks at whether a viral infection is present, and cytology looks at whether the cervical cells are abnormal. The words “HPV positive” themselves do not mean a diagnosis of cancer. The next step can be decided only by looking together at the type that was detected, the cytology result, and the history of previous tests.
It is important not to think, “I had the vaccine, so checking the result is finished,” or “The test is positive, so the vaccine will treat it.”
Is there still something to prevent even if you are already infected?
There are multiple types of HPV. Detection of one type does not mean you are infected with every type the vaccine covers. If you have no vaccination history, or it is not sufficient, you can discuss the possibility of preventing types you have not yet been exposed to.
The preventive benefit differs with the individual situation, including age, past vaccination, and the likelihood of exposure. The same benefit, or the same vaccination plan, does not apply to every patient with a positive result. The approved scope in Korea for each product and the current vaccination criteria must be checked, and ages eligible for support overseas, or the number of doses, are not applied as they are.
What information should you bring to the consultation?
- Test result sheet and previous results Rather than remembering only the word “positive,” please bring the detected type together with the cytology result. If you were advised to have a repeat test or an additional test, confirm that schedule as well.
- Past vaccination record Check which vaccine you received, when, and how many times. If the record is uncertain, do not arbitrarily decide to start again from the beginning; discuss it.
- Possibility of pregnancy and allergy history Please say whether you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and whether you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous vaccination or to a vaccine component. This is needed to judge the timing of vaccination and whether it is suitable.
Do you still need screening after vaccination?
Yes. The vaccine does not prevent every carcinogenic HPV type, and it does not treat a lesion that has already developed. Separate from whether you are vaccinated, follow a follow-up plan that fits your own test results. The testing interval and whether colposcopy or a biopsy is needed are decided based on your results and past history.
You can check the path to a consultation in the Vaccination guide. For the distinction between prevention and treatment, we referred to the U.S. National Cancer Institute HPV vaccine materials, and for what to check before vaccination and adverse reactions, to the NHS HPV vaccine guide.