Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause various health problems, including cervical cancer. It is estimated that nearly 80% of people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. There are many different strains of the virus, some of which are considered high-risk because they can lead to cancer. So widespread is cervical cancer that January of every year is commemorated as Cervical Health Awareness Month.
3 HPV Risk Factors & Their Impact
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. Risk factors for HPV include:
- Having multiple sexual partners
- A weakened immune system
- Smoking
HPV can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer in women, as well as penile cancer in men. Additionally, it can cause anal, throat, and tongue cancer in both genders. The HPV vaccine can help protect against the most high-risk types of HPV and is recommended for males and females aged 11 to 12. Regular cervical cancer screenings are also crucial for women, as they can detect abnormal cells before they turn into cancer. HPV can also cause genital warts. The only ways to prevent HPV are to get the HPV vaccine, avoid risky sexual behaviour, and practise safe sex.
4 Facts About The HPV Vaccine You Should Be Aware Of
- The HPV vaccine is a series of shots that protect against certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer in women, as well as penile cancer in men. Additionally, it can cause anal, throat, and tongue cancer in both sexes.
- The two HPV vaccine type available are Gardasil 9 and Cervarix. Gardasil 9 is approved for use in males and females aged 9-45 and protects against 9 types of HPV. Cervarix is approved for use in females aged 10-25 and protects against 2 types of HPV (16 and 18), which are responsible for causing around 70% of cervical cancer.
- The HPV vaccine works by teaching the immune system to recognise and fight off HPV before it can cause serious health problems. It is most effective when given to people before they become sexually active, as the vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections.
- It’s important to note that the HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV and it does not prevent all HPV-related cancers, regular cervical cancer screenings are still recommended for women.
2 Recipient Groups For The HPV Vaccine
The human papillomavirus vaccine is recommended for both males and females aged 11-12 years old. It is given in a series of shots, with the exact schedule depending on the type of vaccine and the individual’s age.
1. HPV Vaccine for Gardasil
For the Gardasil 9 vaccine, a series of 2 shots are given 6-12 months apart for people aged 9-14, and a series of 3 shots are given over a six-month period for people aged 15-45.
2. HPV Vaccine For Cervarix
For the Cervarix vaccine, a series of 3 shots are given over a six-month period for people aged 10-25.
It’s important for individuals who did not receive the vaccine at the recommended age to still get it, as long as they are within the age limit of the vaccine.
It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate time for you or your child to receive the human papillomavirus vaccine and to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
5 Types Of Individuals Ineligible For The HPV Vaccine
There are certain individuals who should not receive HPV vaccine or should wait before receiving it. These include:
- Individuals who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Individuals who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of the human papillomavirus vaccine or to any of its components.
- Individuals who have a moderate or severe illness at the time the vaccine is scheduled.
- Individuals who have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system.
- It’s also important to note that the HPV vaccine may not be as effective for individuals who are already infected with one or more types of HPV before they receive the vaccine.
It’s essential to consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about whether or not you should receive the HPV vaccine. They will be able to take into account your unique medical history and provide personalised recommendations accordingly.
How Long Is The Vaccine Effective?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies have shown that the vaccine provides more than 90% protection against HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer, for at least 10 years after receiving the last dose.
The HPV vaccine provides long-lasting protection against the various types of HPV that it protects us against. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies have shown that the vaccine provides more than 90% protection against HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer, for at least 10 years after receiving the last dose.
Protection from HPV vaccination is expected to be long-term. However, the duration of protection against HPV infections and HPV-related diseases is not yet known. Regular cervical cancer screening tests are still recommended for women even after receiving the HPV vaccine, as the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV and it does not prevent all HPV-related cancers.
It’s important to note that the HPV vaccine for women does not replace the need for regular cervical cancer screenings. Women should still follow the recommended cervical cancer screening guidelines, regardless of whether or not they have received the HPV vaccine.
It’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider regarding the vaccine schedule and to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
8 Side Effects Of HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with most people experiencing no side effects or only mild side effects. Common side effects include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nausea
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.
Rare but more serious side effects of the HPV vaccine include:
- Allergic reactions (such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face or throat).
- Blood clots or thromboembolic events
- Fainting or syncope
It’s important to keep in mind that serious side effects from the HPV vaccine are extremely rare. If you experience any serious side effects, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
5 Preventive Measures Against The HPV Vaccine
HPV prevention and the health problems it can cause can be overcome only by getting the HPV vaccine and practising safe sex. Here are some other preventive measures that can help:
1. Get The HPV Vaccine
This is the most effective preventive measure against HPV. The vaccine provides long-lasting protection against the types of HPV that it covers, and is recommended for both males and females aged 11-12.
2. Practice Safe Sex
Using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners can help reduce the risk of contracting HPV.
3. Avoid Smoking
Smoking can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off HPV and other infections.
4. Maintain A Healthy Immune System
Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help support a strong immune system.
5. Get Regular Cervical Cancer Screenings
Regular cervical cancer screenings can detect abnormal cells before they turn into cancer. Women should follow the recommended cervical cancer screening guidelines, regardless of whether or not they have received the HPV vaccine.
It’s important to remember that HPV is a common virus that can be easily spread through sexual contact, so it’s important to take preventive measures and be aware of the risk factors for HPV.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about HPV and the vaccine:
Q1. Can the HPV vaccine cause cervical cancer?
No, the HPV vaccine does not cause cervical cancer. In fact, the vaccine helps protect against the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer.
Q2. Can men get HPV?
Yes, men can get HPV and can pass it on to their sexual partners. HPV can cause penile cancer in men, as well as anal, throat, and tongue cancer.
Q3. Can HPV be cured?
While there is no cure for HPV, most people’s immune systems are able to clear the virus on their own. In some cases, HPV can cause abnormal cell growth that can lead to cancer if not treated. Regular cervical cancer screenings can detect abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.
Q4. Can I still get HPV if I have only had one sexual partner?
Yes, it is still possible to contract HPV even if you have only had one sexual partner. This is because HPV can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.
HPV is a common virus that can be easily spread through sexual contact. The best way to prevent HPV and the health problems it can cause is to get the HPV vaccine and practise safe sex. Additionally, maintaining a healthy immune system, avoiding smoking, and getting regular cervical cancer screenings are important preventive measures. It is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about HPV or the vaccine.
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