HPV vaccines: Why the reluctance to take it? Doctor explains what girls should know
Cervical cancer is one of the rare forms of cancer that could be prevented with vaccination.
Cervical cancer is one of the rare forms of cancer that could be prevented with vaccination.
Cervical cancer is one of the rare forms of cancer that could be prevented with vaccination.
The nationwide project to administer free HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine to all the girls between 9 and 14 years was launched on February 28 this year. The aim is to vaccinate 1.15 crore girls to prevent cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among Indian women. What they are given is one dose of the vaccine Gardasil-4. The project was launched as a 90-day drive, and the vaccine is administered at the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, Sub-District and District Hospitals and Govt Medical Colleges and Hospitals.
Unlike other vaccines, the recipient requires permission from a parent or guardian for this vaccine, as they are considered minors. Lack of awareness and fear of the vaccines are resulting in low turnout at vaccination centres. Kannur native Dr Shola Chithran, the district surveillance officer for the Delhi health ministry, explains the importance of vaccination.
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer seen among women and the second most common type among Indian women. Around 1.2 lakh new cervical cancer cases and more than 80,000 deaths are reported in the country on a yearly basis.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding (often between periods, after sex or after menopause), unusual vaginal discharges (foul – smelling or with traces of blood), severe pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, pain or difficulty urinating, frequent urination and unexplained weight loss are some of the symptoms of cervical cancer.
What causes cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which stays in the body for a long time. Unsafe sexual intercourse, overuse of contraceptives and low immunity are some of the reasons for this viral infection.
Prevention
Cervical cancer is one of the rare forms of cancer that could be prevented with vaccination. The vaccine given before the first sexual intercourse is the best and most effective way to prevent the cancer that spreads through unsafe sexual practises. Young girls and women between 9 and 26 years could stay away from cancer by getting vaccinated. Besides, women over 21 years old can get a Pap smear test at regular intervals to detect unusual changes in cells at an early stage. Developed countries like the USA and Britain have already launched such vaccination drives and programs.
Reluctance
People have been reluctant to get vaccinated mainly because of a lack of awareness about the disease and the need for prevention. Besides, fear of vaccines and fake claims that vaccines would cause infertility also keep the common people away from HPV vaccines. There is no scientific evidence that it causes infertility. The health department is vigorously conducting awareness campaigns. Various such programs are regularly conducted in schools, Anganwadi and hospitals. Another project in which ASHA workers visit homes to conduct awareness classes has also been launched.
Vaccine centres
A single-dose vaccine called Gardasil–4 is given in India. It will protect against 16 and 18 HPV variants.
Who is excluded from vaccination?
a) Those who have moderate or severe illnesses
b) Those who have an allergy towards vaccines or yeast
c) Pregnant women
d) Those who were previously vaccinated with Gardasil, Gardasil-9, Cervarix or Cervava