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HPV Vaccine

HPV plays a major role in cancer and almost 90 per cent of cervical cancer is caused by it. The virus can infect both men and women, leading to cancer if the infection is long-lasting. HPV is associated with cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer in females, penile cancer in males, and anal cancer and oropharyngeal cancer in both females and males.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer that affects a woman’s reproductive organs. It is mostly caused due to HPV infection from poor genital hygiene, which includes unprotected sex, and multiple partners. The sad truth about cervical cancer, however, is that though it’s preventable to a large extent, lack of awareness about preventive measures hinders the prospect.

HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening are the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. HPV vaccines do not protect against all HPV types that can cause cancer, women who have been vaccinated are advised to follow the same screening recommendations as unvaccinated women.

HPV vaccination works exactly like other immunizations that guard individuals against viral infections. It stimulates the production of antibodies in the body so that when there’s an encounter with the HPV in the future, the virus is prevented from infecting the cells.

Three vaccines are available namely Cervarix, Gardasil and Gardasil 9. Protection against infections with the targeted HPV types has been found to last for at least 10 years with Gardasil, up to 11 years with Cervarix, and at least 6 years with Gardasil 9.

ACIP recommends that routine HPV vaccination be initiated at age 11 or 12 years. The vaccination can be started beginning at age 9 years. A 2-dose schedule is recommended for people who get the first dose before their 15th birthday. In a 2-dose series, the second dose should be given 6–12 months after the first dose (0, 6–12-month schedule). Two doses of HPV vaccine given to 9–14 year at least 6 months apart provides better protection than three doses given to older adolescents or young adults. A 3-dose schedule is recommended for people who get the first dose on or after their 15th birthday, and for people with certain immunocompromising conditions. In a 3-dose series, the second dose should be given 1–2 months after the first dose, and the third dose should be given 6 months after the first dose (0, 1–2, 6-month schedule). Contraindications for vaccination include allergy to components of vaccine, pregnancy.

Recent advances : The quadrivalent Human Papilloma Virus (qHPV) vaccine is India's first homemade vaccine against cervical cancer and has demonstrated a robust antibody response. The response is nearly 1,000 times higher than the baseline against all targeted HPV types and in all dose and age groups. The vaccine is likely to be priced between Rs 200-400 per dose, which is way less than other foreign vaccines.

By creating awareness at the individual and community levels and with proper governmental intervention, the cervical cancer menace can be effectively controlled