What Is The HPV Vaccine For Women? Here’s Why You Should Consider Getting Vaccinated

Statistics show that over 3,00,000 women die every year due to cervical cancer. And the sad truth is that even though this number is high, there is no treatment as such that is available to prevent it or treat it. However, there is a silver lining – all thanks to the doctors and researchers who are finding ways to prevent the development of cervical cancer in women. In fact, they have quite come close to their goal with the recent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that is capable of reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer in women by 90%!

So, what is the HPV vaccine?

To begin with, most cervical cancers in women are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) – a sexually transmitted infection. And what the HPV vaccine does is gives immunization against the infection and help reduce the impact of cervical cancer and other cancers that are caused by the infection. 

Also Read: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: What Is A Pap Smear And Why Should All Women Take The Test Routinely?

Why do women need the HPV vaccine?

The vaccine targets the multiple types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer. It can also prevent most girls and women from developing cervical cancer before they are exposed to the infection. The vaccine also prevents vaginal and vulvar cancer as well as prevents genital warts, anal cancers, and mouth, throat, head, and neck cancers in women and men.

Also Read: A Twitter User Highlights The Expensive Cost Of HPV Vaccines, Demands Subsidy Rates And More Awareness On The Topic From Government

Who should receive the HPV vaccine and when?

As per the reports, girls aged between 11 and 12 years should get the HPV vaccine. But it also is recommended for girls between the ages of 13 and 26 years to complete their vaccination if they haven’t gotten it yet. 

In fact, the CDC recommends that 11 to 12 years old girls should get two doses of the HPV vaccine to protect them against cancers caused by the infection. It can also be given to boys of the same age to prevent them from developing other cancers of the mouth, throat, neck, and head.

Ideally, women should get their vaccine before they become sexually active so as to prevent the chances of getting exposed to the infection. Another reason for getting vaccinated early is that the vaccine becomes less effective when the woman is already exposed to the infection. 

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