There are two types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine or cervical cancer vaccines currently available in India.
Cervarix by GlaxoSmithKline is a bivalent vaccine that protects against 2 HPV strains – type 16 and type 18.
The other vaccine is Gardasil by Merck, which is a quadrivalent vaccine that provides protection against 4 HPV strains – types 16, 18, 6, and 11.
The vaccines do not treat pre-existing HPV infections. Hence, must be given before initiation of sexual activity.
The most readily available vaccine around the world is Gardasil 9. They are expensive around 2000 INR. Available in the private sector.
It is a 2 or 3 shot series (depending on the age of initiation) that vaccinates against HPV strains.
The HPV vaccine is not part of the national immunization program.
Why you need Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination?
HPV vaccination is cancer prevention, American and British Society of Cancer . It is the only vaccine that refuces the risk of cancer.
These HPV strains cause 90 % of genital warts, 80% of cervical cancer, 90% of anal cancer and the majority of vulval, vaginal, penile and oral/ throat cancers.
For women it not only reduces cervical and other cancer risks, it can also refuce the risk of abnormal pap smear. Reducing invasive intervention like colposcopy, cervical biopsy, LEEP and conization.
Who should get Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination?
Approved for all women and girls age 9- 26.
If you have already tested positive for HPV you can still go for it.
When Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination is advised?
• Vaccination of girls is recommended at age 11 – 12 years but can be given as early as 9.
• If the series is started under the age of 15 only 2 shots are necessary at 0 and 6-12 months.
• If started older than 15 then 3 shots are necessary 0, 2, and 6 months.
• If you missed a dose it can be resumed without restarting.
What is the Safety of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination?
WHO issued a safety update on HPV vaccines
• Since 2006 there have been more than 270 million doses given worldwide.
• Most common side effects; local skin reaction.
• Most common serious side effect; fainting (rates similar to all other vaccines)
• Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) investigates adverse effects and has found no causality or association with any rare neurological disorder.
• There is less aluminum in the vaccine than a day worth of breast milk.
Doctors do not profit from vaccine administration.
If you have any questions do drop them in the comments section.
This post is written for the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. My theme is let’s debunk Common myths around women’s health.
Disclosure: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. DISCLAIMER: The content in this post is purely meant for educational purpose only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information.
So much speculations are here surrounded with covid, thanks for the information