Should pregnant women get the HPV vaccine?

Following the Ministry of Health's issuance of Circular 13/2026/TT-BYT, which officially added human papillomavirus (HPV) diseases to the list of diseases requiring vaccination in the Expanded Immunization Program, many women have shown great interest in this issue.

The Obstetrics Card 315 acts as a "health assistant," helping mothers monitor their pregnancy comprehensively and in-depth, proactively at each stage without worrying about missing any prenatal check-ups.

One of the concerns among women is whether or not they should get vaccinated against HPV if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon. Why or why not?

According to Dr. Hoang Thi Phuong Dung, a specialist at the 315 Pediatric System, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend HPV vaccination during pregnancy due to limited safety data, and remaining doses should be postponed until after childbirth.

For women planning to become pregnant soon, it's crucial to plan ahead and not hesitate. The HPV vaccination schedule typically lasts 4 to 6 months (for a 3-dose regimen). If you plan to become pregnant too soon, there won't be enough time to complete the full course before pregnancy. While interrupting the vaccination schedule won't negate the effects of previous doses, it will slow down the time it takes to achieve optimal protection.

Dr. Hoang Thi Phuong Dung, MD, Specialist Level 1 – Doctor at Children's Hospital System 315

Advice from MSc. Dr. Hoang Thi Phuong Dung – Doctor at Pediatric System 315 for women planning to become pregnant soon: If your planned pregnancy is about 6 months away, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible to complete the full course. If you plan to get pregnant within the next 1-2 months, it's best to proactively postpone your HPV vaccination to after childbirth. After giving birth, breastfeeding women can get the HPV vaccine normally without affecting the baby.

Dr. Hoang Thi Phuong Dung further shared: The new generation HPV vaccine with 9 strains has been licensed and approved by the Ministry of Health for expanded vaccination indications for both men and women aged 9 to 45. Therefore, women over 30 years old are completely within the recommended age range and can still achieve significant protection.

HPV can spread even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. Anyone who is sexually active can become infected with HPV, even if they only have one sexual partner. You may also develop symptoms years after having sex with an infected person. Therefore, it is difficult to know when you were first infected.

Should women over 30 get vaccinated against HPV?

Adding the address of the newly opened Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic 315 at 112 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Quy Nhon Ward, Gia Lai Province.

Dr. Hoang Thi Phuong Dung affirmed: Women over 30 years old are still at risk of reinfection or new infections with HPV strains, so vaccination is essential to protect themselves from strains they have never been infected with. Even if married, have children, or have had sexual intercourse, vaccination is still very valuable in preventing common HPV strains that cause cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers, precancerous lesions or dysplasia, and genital warts.

The body's natural immune system is not long-lasting. Having been infected with one strain of HPV does not provide the body with sufficient natural immunity to fight that same strain in the future. Vaccines help the body produce a much stronger and more sustainable supply of antibodies.

According to studies worldwide, the prevalence of genital HPV infection in women typically follows a two-stage distribution pattern: one peak in younger women (15-24 years old) after they begin having sexual intercourse, and the second peak in middle-aged and older women (45-50 years old and older) due to decreased natural immunity or increased sexual activity with multiple partners at that age. Vaccination after age 30 is a proactive preparation for this stage.

315 Healthcare System:

Hotline: 0901.315.315

- Ivy Health International Multidisciplinary Clinic https://www.ivyhealthvn.com/

- 315 Obstetrics and Gynecology Healthcare System https://www.phusan315.com/

- Children's Healthcare System 315 https://www.nhidong315.com/

- Pediatric Vaccination System 315 https://www.tiemchungnhi315.com/

- 315 Eye Healthcare System https://www.mat315.com/

- Cardiovascular and Diabetes Healthcare System 315 https://www.timmachtieuduong315.com/

- Pediatric Psychiatry – Pediatric Psychology 315 https://www.tamlynhi315.com/

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/phu-nu-mang-thai-co-nen-tiem-chung-vaccine-hpv-khong-post855696.html