The HPV vaccination is a powerful tool in protecting children and teens from certain cancers and infections. It works best when given before exposure to the virus, offering long-term health benefits. Parents often worry about side effects or timing, but understanding how the HPV vaccination works can help make confident, informed decisions. Ensuring your child receives it is a proactive step toward safeguarding their future health, writes Dr Jireh Serfontein, sexual health practitioner.
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Vaccines against cervical cancer have been all over the news and social media during the last few years. There has been new hype about it since the South African government announced that nine-year-old school girls at underprivileged schools will be receiving it for free.
The first round of the HPV programme conducted in public schools each year by the Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department of Education, was scheduled for 21 February to 28 March 2017.
What is HPV?
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a small deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus and is the most common sexually transmitted virus in both men and women.
The virus is highly contagious and transmitted primarily through sexual intercourse, although oral and anal sexual contact have also been implicated. More than 100 types have been identified, with each type being associated with infection in a specific anatomical site. Over 40 types of HPV infect the anogenital area.
Signs and symptoms of HPV include genital warts and abnormal pap smears (intraepithelial neoplasia), as well as several cancers. HPV can be subdivided into three categories based on its association with the development of cancers: low risk, intermediate risk and high risk.
Low-risk types consist of strains that rarely give rise to cervical cancers, such as HPV types 6 and 11. Infection by these types, however, accounts for 90% of genital wart lesions.
In contrast, HPV types 16 and 18 are strongly associated with cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile and anal cancer. They are, therefore, considered to be high-risk types.
Intermediate-risk types, such as HPV types 29, 31, 33, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58 and 59 are often found in abnormal pap smears. The type of lesion and the underlying pathology depend on the type of HPV present.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
According to the guidelines, young boys and girls from the age of nine years should be vaccinated against HPV. It is best to get the vaccination before people become sexually active. This does not mean that older men and women who are sexually active should not seek the protection of the HPV vaccine.
Though it does not treat existing infection, vaccination is still recommended for HPV positive individuals, as it may protect against one or more different strains of the disease.
Which vaccine should you choose?
There are two types of vaccines approved for HPV in South Africa, namely Gardasil and Cervarix. There are many types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, and the research shows that being vaccinated against the two most dangerous strains actually does offer a form of cross-protection against the other strains as well.
Gardasil protects against four strains of HPV (type 6, 11, 16 and 18), which means it provides protection against cervical cancer. Since Gardasil also provides protection against genital warts, anal warts and anal cancer, it can be used by men as well.
“Though it does not treat existing infection, vaccination is still recommended for HPV positive individuals, as it may protect against one or more different strains of the disease.”
Cervarix provides immunity against two strains of HPV (type 16 and 18) and provides protection against only cervical cancer. Both vaccines are taken as a series of three injections over a period of six months.
Alternatively, it can be given as two injections with at least six months between them, for children aged nine years up to and including 13 years.
Although both companies marketing these two vaccines would like to suggest that their product is better than the other one, there is no difference in the efficacy of the two drugs in clinical practice.
What are the possible side effects?
There are many anti-vaxxers who spread rumours about vaccines. The HPV vaccine doesn’t contain live viruses or dead viruses, but virus-like particles, which cannot reproduce in the human body.
The FDA and the CDC state that the vaccine has mostly minor side effects, such as soreness around the injection area and headaches. There are no major side effects.
HPV is very common and is a preventable disease. Get vaccinated!
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BabyYumYum.com FAQs: The HPV Vaccination
What is the HPV vaccination?
The HPV vaccination protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can cause cervical cancer, genital warts and other types of cancers such as throat and anal cancers.
Why is the HPV vaccine important?
HPV is responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing HPV-related cancers and diseases later in life.
At what age should children receive the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys aged 9 to 12 years, before they are likely to be exposed to the virus. In South Africa, it is often offered to Grade 5 girls (around age 9) as part of the national school-based immunisation programme.
Can older teens and adults also get the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The vaccine can be given up to the age of 26 (and in some cases up to 45, depending on health risk factors). However, it works best when given before exposure to HPV.
How many doses are needed?
Most children need two doses if they receive the vaccine before age 15. Those who start later may require three doses for full protection.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
Yes. The HPV vaccine has been thoroughly tested and monitored worldwide. Side effects are generally mild, such as a sore arm, headache, or low-grade fever, and serious side effects are extremely rare.
Does the HPV vaccine encourage early sexual activity?
No. Studies show that the vaccine does not influence sexual behaviour. It is a preventative health measure, similar to other childhood vaccinations.
If my child is already sexually active, is the vaccine still useful?
Yes. Even if someone has been exposed to HPV, they may not have encountered all the strains the vaccine protects against. It still offers significant protection.
Does the HPV vaccine replace Pap smears?
No. Regular Pap smears (cervical screening) are still essential, even after vaccination. The vaccine reduces the risk but does not eliminate it.
Is the HPV vaccine only for girls?
No. Boys can also benefit as the vaccine protects against genital warts and cancers caused by HPV. Vaccinating boys also helps reduce the spread of HPV to future partners.
Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical recommendations regarding the HPV vaccination.
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