Cervical Cancer Vaccination (HPV Vaccination): Everything You Need to Know
Cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer in the world (WHO, 2020), and the
second most common cancer among women in India. The infection of
specific high-risk types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is the primary cause of cervical
cancer. In India, two high-risk HPV strains, HPV 16 and HPV 18, account for more than 80 %
of cervical cancer cases .
But awareness about cervical cancer in India is very minimal and even most of the educated
women have not heard about the vaccine availability for prevention of cervical cancer.
What is HPV Vaccine ?
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer, as well as other HPV-related cancers such as anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and throat cancers, and genital warts.
Types of HPV Vaccines:
1. Gardasil (Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine) : Only a well trained doctor or gynecologist is what we all looking for to meet our needs. So read about the gynecologist qualification, work experience and training..
2. Gardasil 9 : The most widely used HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, protects against nine HPV types: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases, while types 6 and 11 cause most genital warts. ( approximate cost; 10,000/- per dose)
3. Cervavac : Cervavac is an Indian-developed HPV vaccine by the Serum Institute of India. It aims to provide a cost-effective solution for preventing cervical cancer in India and potentially other low- and middle-income countries. ( approximate cost; 2000/- per dose)
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Recommended Age : The vaccine is recommended for preteens (boys and girls) aged 11 to
12, but it can be administered as early as age 9.
As most of the women are not even aware of cervical cancer and most are not vaccinated so
any women coming to a health professional should be counselled about HPV vaccination
HPV Vaccine can be given up to 45 years of age ( 3 doses)
HPV Vaccination Schedule:
Two-Dose : For people ages 9-14, only 2 shots. The second shot is given 6 months after the first shot.
Three dose : :For people ages 15-45, the HPV vaccine is given in 3 separate shots. The second shot is given 2 months after the first, and the third shot is given 4 months after the second shot.
Effectiveness : The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection with the HPV types it targets when given before exposure to the virus. The vaccine is most effective when given before individuals become sexually active, but it is still beneficial for those who are already sexually active. Even if someone has had an HPV infection before, the vaccine can protect against other strains they have not yet been there.
Safety : The HPV vaccine has been extensively studied and is considered safe.
So please invest on your health and get yourself vaccinated as this is the best health investment one can do. Get yourself vaccinated and encourage your friends and colleagues also as being aware means being safe. For further information, please consult our expert Dr.Kusum Lata