Blog Details
HPV Vaccine
HPV Vaccine protects against Human Papilloma Virus. This is the virus that is implicated as the cause of most cancers of the cervix.
Does HPV Vaccine Reduce chance of Many Cancers?
Yes, HPV vaccine reduces one’s chance of getting cancers associated with the HPV such as cancer of the cervix, penis, anus vulva, vagina, cervix, and throat.
Does HPV offer other benefits beside reducing r9sk of cancers?
Yes, HPV vaccine reduces risk of warts in the penis in men; reduces warts in vulva, vagina and cervix in women as well as anus and throat in men and women.
Who should have the HPV Vaccine?
All children aged 12 to 13 should be offered the HPV vaccine.
Young people under 24 who missed the vaccine when they were 12 or 13 years and have not had the vaccine, up till 25th birthday.
How many doses of HPV vaccine should one have?
If you are under 25, 1 dose is recommended.
If you are recommended to have HPV vaccine between 25 and 45 years, two doses given between 6 months and 2 years apart.
People with weak immune system that have been advised by their doctors to have HPV vaccine: 3 doses over a 12 month period.
Do I still need to attend cervical screening or smears after getting the HPV Vaccine?
It is very important to still attend regular cervical screening even after HPV vaccine. There is still a small chance of having cervical cancer by those who have had vaccine. Although this chance is much lower that those who do not have the HPV vaccine.