Hpv Vaccine

* HPV means Human Papillomavirus. It is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. Since it has no symptoms people do not know if they have it. Some types of this virus may cause cervical cancer in women.

* The vaccine which prevents cervical cancer is called HPV vaccine. This vaccine is recommended for all 11 and 12 year old girls. Recommendation for females between 13-26 age is also given. This vaccine is given in a series of three injections over a six month period. The second and third doses should be given after 2 and 6 months after the first dose. This vaccine is highly effective in preventing 70% of all cervical cancers and about 90% of genital warts. This has been tested in thousands of females around the world. The studies have shown no serious side effects. There is brief soreness at the injection site. There is no thimersol or mercury in this vaccine. So far it is believed that HPV vaccine protects a person for years. However booster dose will be given if needed.

* This is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer. However women will still need regular cervical cancer screening. The vaccine does not protect against all HPVs hence there is risk for some cancers. Cervical cancer is cause of death of 3600 women in a year. Some women may not get benefit of vaccine if they do not get full 3 doses and if they have already acquired the HPV. It is important for girls to get HPV vaccine before age of 11-12 so that they are vaccinated before they become sexually active. It is most effective for those who get vaccinated before their first sexual contact. This vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women as more research is necessary for the side effects on baby and mother. If a women finds herself pregnant after one dose of this vaccine then she should postpone the next doses after her delivery. It is not yet known whether HPV vaccine can be used for boys and men.

This vaccine is not compulsory for school going children.

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