Currently there is a lot of curiosity and confusion about this vaccine. The specialty of this vaccine is that it is the only vaccine that can prevent a cancer.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women. Infection with the HPV virus accounts for as much as 95% of these cancers.
HPV is a common virus. There are many species of this virus. This virus mainly infects the external genitalia (vulva), vagina and cervix in women. Usually, the body’s immune system clears the infection on its own. But if for some reason that doesn’t happen and the virus stays there, the woman may develop cervical cancer after a few years.
Also, this virus can cause male genital (penis), anus (anus) and throat cancer. Therefore, men (boys) are also advised to take this vaccine. But because cancer rates are higher in women, vaccinating girls is a higher priority. So despite this HPV vaccine being available in India, since 15-20 years, but due to lack of information and high cost, there is still not enough awareness. Any woman between the ages of 9 and 45 can take this vaccine.
But since sexual transmission is the main route of this virus, of course the vaccine is most useful if it is taken before the start of sexual life. Girls under 15 need only 2 doses of this vaccine. After that 3 doses have to be taken.
After taking this vaccine there are no problems like fever etc. There is no need to take this vaccine again in life. Women should have regular checkups like Pap smears after age 25, even if they’ve only gotten the vaccine.
This vaccine can generally be obtained from any gynecologist or pediatrician in our country. Recently, the serum institute has developed a country-made HPV vaccine. It is expected to be available in mass market soon. So you should definitely give this gift to your daughters to prevent cancer. And convey this information also to those who have daughters.
Brief Questions and Answers (About HPV vaccine)-

1. Why get the HPV vaccine?
HPV infection can cause cancer. And giving this vaccine can prevent this infection. So this vaccine should be given.

2. What age group is this vaccine for?
This vaccine is for women aged 9 to 45 years. But the younger it is given, the better

3. Why should this vaccine be given at such a young age?
Any vaccine is given as prevention before the disease occurs. HPV virus is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse. Therefore, it is more beneficial to give this vaccine at an early age. But even if a woman does not take this vaccine as a child, even if she takes this vaccine till the age of 45, it is beneficial to some extent.

4. How many doses of this vaccine are required?
Girls under 15 need only 2 doses of this vaccine. After that 3 doses have to be taken.

5. Are there any long term side effects of taking this vaccine? , such as infertility?
It has been many years since this vaccine came to the market after research. And it has no far-reaching side effects.

6. Once this vaccine is taken, is it necessary to do screening tests such as pap smear or HPV test later in life?
Yes, even after taking this vaccine, cancer screening tests should be done later in life. Because there are many types of HPV virus. Vaccines only work on a few predominantly common species. Also, if the vaccine is taken at a later age, the HPV virus may have already infected the body.