Cervical Cancer Vaccine in India – Which, When and How

In India, cervical cancer is a major health problem that results in a sizable number of deaths annually. It is the only cancer for which there is a vaccination, offering a vital line of defense against the illness. Leading Cosmetic Gynecologist and PCOS Specialist Dr. Shraddha Goel stresses how crucial it is to comprehend and use this vaccine in order to properly fight cervical cancer.

Prevalence of Cervical Cancer in India

Cervical cancer ranks second in terms of incidence and fatality rates among women in India. Approximately 67,000 women die from the disease each year, and over 1,22,000 new cases are identified annually, according to the latest statistics. These statistics show how urgently preventive steps, including vaccination, must be taken in order to lower the incidence of cervical cancer in the nation.

Understanding Cervical Cancer and the HPV Vaccine

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections that are high-risk, especially those types 16 and 18, are the main cause of cervical cancer. Globally, these two kinds account for over 70% of instances of cervical cancer. By focusing on these high-risk strains, the HPV vaccine stops infection and the subsequent growth of cervical cancer.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

It is recommended that women and girls between the ages of 9 and 45 get the HPV vaccine. Pre-adolescent girls (9–14 years old) are the main target group for vaccinations because the shot works best when given before HPV exposure. But older girls and women up to 45 years old who have never had a vaccination benefit from it as well.

Why Boys Should Also Be Vaccinated

While women are most affected by cervical cancer, HPV infection has also been connected to other diseases, such as male penile cancer. By focusing on the same high-risk HPV strains, vaccinations for young males can help prevent these malignancies. This broader vaccination strategy promotes herd immunity and lowers the overall incidence of cancers linked to HPV.

Types of HPV Vaccines Available in India

Gardasil

The quadrivalent vaccine Gardasil guards against HPV strains 6, 11, 16, and 18. About 90% of genital warts are caused by kinds 6 and 11, but types 16 and 18 are linked to cervical and other cancers.

Dosage Schedule for Gardasil

• For girls aged 9-14 years:Gardasil is given in two doses spaced 6-12 months apart.
• For individuals aged 15-45 years:It takes three doses; the first dose should be taken 1-2 months later, and the second dose should be taken six months later.

Cervarix

The goal of the bivalent vaccine Cervarix is to prevent cervical cancer by precisely targeting HPV strains 16 and 18.

Dosage Schedule for Cervarix

• For girls aged 9-14 years:Cervarix is given in two doses separated by 6 months.
• For individuals aged 15-45 years:It is necessary to take three dosages, the second of which should be taken 1 month after the first and the third 6 months after the first.

Gardasil 9

Nine HPV types are protected against by the nonavalent vaccine Gardasil 9: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. A greater proportion of HPV-related cancers are prevented because of this wider protection.

Dosage Schedule for Gardasil 9

• For girls aged 9-14 years:6-12 months separate the administration of the two dosages.
• For individuals aged 15-45 years:It takes three doses; the first dose should be taken 1-2 months later, and the second dose should be taken 6 months later.

When to Get the HPV Vaccine

Pre-adolescent females are advised to get the HPV vaccine since the best time to do so is before they are exposed to the virus. But older women and girls who have never received a vaccination can still benefit from the shot. The vaccine window is wide, spanning from 9 to 45 years, therefore a sizable population can be shielded from cancers related to HPV.

How the HPV Vaccine Works

The HPV vaccine functions by inducing the production of antibodies against the virus by the immune system. The targeted HPV kinds can no longer infect a person because of these antibodies. By preventing new infections rather than treating current ones, the vaccination lowers the chance of developing cancers related to HPV.

Safety and Efficacy of the HPV Vaccine

Numerous clinical studies have shown the HPV vaccine’s effectiveness and safety. It has been demonstrated to offer enduring defense against HPV infections and related cancers. Frequent moderate side effects include headache, fever, and injection site soreness. Rarely do side effects get serious.

The Importance of Public Awareness and Vaccination Programs

In India, vaccination rates and knowledge of HPV remain low despite the vaccine’s effectiveness and availability. Campaigns for public health and educational programs are essential to raising vaccine awareness and promoting vaccination uptake. In order to increase vaccination rates and guarantee that more women and girls are shielded from cervical cancer, schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations are essential partners.

Conclusion

The HPV vaccine is a potent weapon in lowering the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer, a condition that can be prevented. Cosmetic gynecologist and PCOS specialist Dr. Shraddha Goel promotes mass immunization to safeguard women’s health and lessen the incidence of cervical cancer in India. Through being aware of the vaccines that are available, when to get them, and how they operate, people may make educated decisions and help ensure a healthier future. Vaccination is an essential public health measure since it not only prevents cervical cancer but also has wider benefits in avoiding other cancers linked to HPV.

About the Author

 

Dr.Shraddha Goel, MS DNB FICOG is the Head and Director of PCOSmeticGyne Clinic, Jaipur. She has more than 16 years of vast experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is among very few gynecologists in Jaipur who is very well versed with antenatal and intranatal care of high risk pregnancy cases and care of Recurrent pregnancy loss.