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HPV Vaccination Campaign In India: The government is continuously taking big steps regarding the safety of women across the country. The government is going to start a vaccination campaign against cervical cancer, the cases of which are continuously increasing in India. Under this initiative, 14 year old girls will be given free HPV vaccine. It is considered a safe option against cervical cancer. According to reports, every year in India about 1.15 crore girls reach the age of 14 years.
Cervical Cancer Cases
India’s share in cervical cancer cases is about 25 percent. Statistics show that every few minutes a woman in the country loses her life due to this disease. Experts believe expanding HPV vaccination is an important step toward reducing preventable deaths from cancer. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact and often shows no symptoms in the early stages. If infection with a high-risk strain persists for a long time, it can gradually turn into cancer.
The quadrivalent vaccine being used in the national program protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. Apart from this, it also protects against types 6 and 11, which usually cause genital warts. According to doctors, this vaccine is helpful in reducing the risk of not only cervical cancer but also some types of cancer related to anus, vagina, vulva, penis and throat. If this vaccine is administered before coming in contact with the virus, then about 97 percent protection can be provided against cervical cancer and its related initial stages. Research shows that after vaccination, strong immunity remains for at least 12 to 15 years.
Girls aged 9 to 14 years
This vaccine is most effective in adolescence, so girls ages 9 to 14 are the primary target. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for women aged 15 to 26 years, while men and women aged 27 to 45 years can get vaccinated after consulting a doctor. Emphasis is being laid on including boys aged 9 to 14 years, so that the spread of infection can be reduced. People with weakened immune systems, such as those infected with HIV, should seek health advice before vaccination.
death from cervical cancer
According to a Mint report, cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India. Every year about 80 thousand new cases are reported and more than 42 thousand women die due to this disease. Scientific evidence shows that persistent infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 are particularly considered high-risk, accounting for more than 80 percent of cases in India.
How effective is the HPV vaccine
According to the US National Library of Medicine, the HPV vaccine is one of the most studied vaccines in the world. Research has shown that this vaccine is more than 90 percent effective in preventing cervical cancer caused by the HPV types it covers. These vaccination centers will be linked to government health facilities operating 24 hours a day, so that immediate health assistance can be available if needed. This will help in strengthening the safety standards as well as increase the confidence of parents.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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