Cervical cancer vaccine

Cervical cancer can be scary when we hear about it. It is said that cervical cancer is one of the second most common malignant tumors in women, and the cervical cancer vaccine can effectively prevent HPV virus infection. The overall incidence rate depends on the ethnic groups; Chinese 28.8, Indians 22.4 and Malays 10.5 per 100,000 women.

The risk factor for cervical cancer is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV can cause changes to the cells in the cervix and early detection of the changes can be done. Cervical cancer can be prevented by vaccination. There are many types of HPV associated with cervical cancer but types 16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51,56 and 58 are most common.

What is the HPV vaccine?

HPV vaccines are vaccines that can protect you against infection by different HPV subtypes which are most commonly linked to various cancers and genital warts.

To date, there are three HPV vaccines that are being marketed in many countries throughout the world: these are Cervarix protects against 2 subtypes of HPV (16 and 18), Quadrivalent (Gardasil 4) protects against 4 subtypes of HPV (6, 11, 16 and 18) and Gardasil 9 protects against 9 subtypes of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.

Who should get vaccinated with HPV vaccine?

Actually, both men and women should be vaccinated. WHO recommends the HPV vaccine for girls in the age group of 9 to 13 years. Girls receiving their first dose of HPV vaccine before the age of 15 years can benefit from a two dose schedule.

How many doses of HPV vaccine should I get?

All three doses of HPV vaccine are required to ensure that the vaccine provides optimum protection against HPV. The vaccination is given by injection on the upper arm three times within six month at 0,1 and 6 months,

Where should I get my vaccination?

You can get the vaccination at Nur Sejahtera Clinic, listed on Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara’s website at https://www.lppkn.gov.my/index.php/en/. Please contact your nearby Nur Sejahtera Clinics to make an appointment.

What are the side effects of HPV Vaccine?

The common side effects are redness, swelling or soreness on the injected area, which is common. Besides that, no other serious side effects have been reported. Usually after the vaccination, the doctor will observe you for any side effects for 20 minutes.

Who is not eligible for HPV Vaccine?

If the woman is pregnant, she is not eligible for vaccination. In addition, people who have developed hypersensitivity to HPV vaccine are not eligible for HPV vaccine.

References

Noorhayante. (n.d.). FAQ myhpv 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2021, from https://www.lppkn.gov.my/index.php/en/soalan-lazim/pvhpv
Bhd, K. (n.d.). Kelana Jaya Medical Centre. Retrieved February 19, 2021, from http://www.kmihealthcare.com/en/kjmc/packages/50/hpv-vaccine-package-cervarix
Hpv vaccine recommendations. (2020, March 17). Retrieved February 19, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/recommendations.html