Did you know that globally, 27% of total cervical cancer cases are from India? This is alarming, especially considering that India is home to only 16-17% of the world’s female population. In fact, current estimates suggest that approximately 1,00,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in India each year, with 60,000 resulting in death.
While mortality rates have decreased over the past 40 years due to improved treatment and screening programmes, there is still much work to be done. So why aren’t we talking about this? It’s time to start educating ourselves and our daughters about the importance of the HPV vaccine for girls. In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything parents need to know about the HPV vaccine – what it is, the types available in India, its benefits, and why it’s specifically given to girls at a certain age. Keep reading to learn more about this crucial vaccine that could save your daughter’s life.
Understanding the Basics: What is HPV and the HPV Vaccine?
Let’s start with the basics – what exactly is HPV? HPV stands for human papillomavirus, a common virus that can infect both males and females. It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. In fact, HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people will get it at some point in their lives.
Now, you may be wondering, why is HPV such a big deal? Well, cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer in humans, the second most common cancer in women worldwide, and the most common cause of cancer-related death in developing countries. And here’s the scary part – sexually transmitted HPV infection is the most important risk factor for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cervical cancer.
That’s where the HPV vaccine comes in. The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against the most common types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. By getting vaccinated, girls can reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer in the future.
The vaccine can prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cervical cancers. Not only that, but it can also protect against other HPV-related diseases. By getting vaccinated, girls can take an important step towards protecting their long-term health.
Unveiling the Varieties: Types of HPV Vaccines Available in India
When it comes to the HPV vaccine, there are two types available in India: a quadrivalent vaccine called Gardasil™ and a bivalent vaccine called Cervarix™. Both vaccines are manufactured using recombinant DNA technology and contain non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs) of the HPV L1 protein. Clinical trials have shown that both vaccines are effective against cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) caused by the HPV strains contained in the vaccine. They also provide cross-protection against other HPV strains. However, it’s important to note that the vaccines do not protect against HPV strains that a person is already infected with.
Gardasil™ is a mixture of L1 proteins of HPV serotypes 16, 18, 6, and 11, along with an aluminium-containing adjuvant. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Gardasil™ is 100% effective against types 16/18-related CIN and AIS in women aged 16-26 who received all three doses and remained uninfected with the vaccine HPV type.
In addition to protecting against cervical cancer, Gardasil™ also provides protection against genital warts. Both vaccines offer numerous benefits, including reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer in the future. It’s crucial for parents to understand the options available,but it’s vital to consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider who can offer personalised guidance based on your child’s specific health needs and circumstances.
Demystifying the Debate: Why is the Vaccine Only for Girls?
When it comes to the HPV vaccine, there has been a lot of debate about why it is only given to girls. Some people argue that boys should also receive the vaccine since they can also contract and transmit HPV. However, there are a few key reasons why the vaccine is currently recommended only for girls.
Firstly, it is important to note that the HPV vaccine is primarily aimed at preventing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer caused by HPV, and women bear the brunt of its devastating effects. By vaccinating girls against HPV, we can significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer later in life.
Secondly, giving the vaccine to girls also provides indirect protection to boys. By immunising girls, we can reduce the overall transmission of HPV in the population, benefiting both girls and boys. This is known as “herd immunity.”
Thirdly, the decision to focus on girls is based on scientific evidence and cost-effectiveness. Clinical trials and studies have shown that vaccinating girls against HPV is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer. Additionally, providing the vaccine to both boys and girls would significantly increase the cost of vaccination programmes, making it less feasible to implement on a large scale.
It is also worth mentioning again that the HPV vaccine is not only beneficial for preventing cervical cancer. It also protects against other HPV-related diseases, such as genital warts. So even though boys may not be at risk of cervical cancer, they can still benefit from the vaccine’s other protective effects.
Timing is Key: The Right Age to Administer the HPV Vaccine
The recommended age for girls to receive the HPV vaccine is between 9 and 14 years old. There are a few reasons why this age range is considered ideal.
Firstly, it is recommended to administer the vaccine before the onset of sexual activity, as the vaccine is most effective when given prior to exposure to HPV. By vaccinating girls at a young age, we can protect them before they become sexually active and potentially exposed to the virus.
Additionally, girls in this age range generally have a stronger immune response to the vaccine, which means they will develop a higher level of protection against HPV. This is important because the vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to create antibodies that fight off the virus.
Another benefit of administering the vaccine at a young age is that it allows for completion of the full vaccine series before the age of potential exposure. The HPV vaccine is given as a series of two or three doses, depending on the brand. By starting the vaccine series early, there is ample time to complete the recommended doses and provide long-term protection.
It’s also worth noting that the HPV vaccine can be administered to girls and women up to the age of 26. However, it is best to receive the vaccine at a younger age to maximise its benefits. It’s never too late to get vaccinated, but starting early can provide the greatest protection against HPV and its related diseases.
The statistics don’t lie. The prevalence of cervical cancer in India is alarmingly high, and it’s time for us to take action. As parents, it is our responsibility to protect our children and ensure their long-term health. The HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in the fight against cervical cancer, offering numerous benefits that cannot be ignored.
We understand that you may have concerns or doubts about the HPV vaccine. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s health. If you’re unsure whether the vaccine is right for your daughter, we encourage you to come to our paediatric clinic in Prabha Devi and talk to us. Our knowledgeable healthcare providers are here to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Remember, this article is not intended to worry you with another thing on your parenting checklist. It is meant to equip you with information that can potentially save your child’s life. Book an appointment at our clinic and let us provide you with the right advice and reassurance. Your child’s health is our priority. Don’t delay, take action today and give your daughter the gift of protection with the HPV vaccine.