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This is the Importance of Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Cervical cancer is a frightening disease for women. One way to reduce the risk of developing the disease is by administering a cervical cancer vaccine. Then, how effective is the role of cervical cancer vaccine in preventing cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is mostly caused by a virus that is transmitted through sexual contact, namely human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer vaccine is given as an effort to prevent transmission of the virus, while reducing the risk of worse.

How Does HPV Attack?

HPV attacks by transmitting infections to women through sexual contact or direct contact with the genital area. This then causes abnormal cell growth in the cervix (cervix). In some women, the disorder can later develop into cervical cancer.

How to give Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

For women, currently in Indonesia the administration of cervical cancer vaccine is recommended starting from the age of 10 years and over. This vaccination prevents infection with the HPV virus the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV vaccine is given since adolescence, because if the vaccine is given during sexual intercourse, HPV infection could have already occurred. For ages 10-13 years, giving the vaccine enough requires 2 doses. While the age of 16-18 years or late teens, the vaccine is given in 3 doses. With a distance of 1-6 months between each injection dose. The vaccine dose is believed to provide long-term protection from HPV infection. If as a teenager the vaccine dose is not complete, it is better to consult with a doctor to complete the vaccine dose. Not only women, men can also benefit from the HPV vaccine, because the HPV virus can also cause genital warts, anal cancer, and throat cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended especially for men aged 26 years and under, who have sex with men or who have immune disorders.

What are the types of cervical cancer vaccines?

There are various types of HPV viruses. About 40 percent of all types of HPV viruses can cause infections in the genital area, and certain types can trigger cervical cancer. Therefore, there are several types of HPV vaccines that can now be used, according to the type of virus, namely:
  • The first type is commonly used to prevent cervical cancer and pre-cancer. This type of vaccine will prevent HPV-16 and HPV-18 infections that commonly cause cancer. This HPV vaccine is intended for women aged 10-25 years.
  • The second type is Gardasil. Used to prevent cancer and pre-cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus. In addition to preventing infections caused by HPV-16 and HPV-18, this vaccine also prevents HPV-6 and HPV-11 infections as a cause of genital warts. For men, the use of this vaccine can be done at the age of 9-26 years.
  • The last type is Gardasil 9. The coverage of preventing HPV infection from this vaccine is broader than the previous Gardasil, which includes HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-45, HPV-52, and HPV-58 which are also causes of cervical cancer. For men, Gardasil 9 can be used for ages 9-15.

Is there a side effect of cervical cancer vaccine?

There are, but side effects of HPV vaccination generally occur temporarily and are classified as mild. Some side effects that are often complained of are swelling, pain and redness at the injection site, as well as headaches. While side effects that are not too often found are fever, nausea and pain around the arms, hands or feet to the appearance of itchy red rashes. There are also very rare effects which are obstruction of the respiratory tract and difficulty breathing. Although this is very rare, the HPV vaccine can also trigger a severe allergic reaction or known as anaphylactic allergy that threatens life safety. Consult with your doctor before you decide to get a cervical cancer vaccine. Ask for complete information to make appropriate considerations about the benefits to be gained and the risks of side effects.

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