What you need to know about the HPV vaccine: Protect yourself and your children from cancer

As a mother or father, you always try to make your child's future beautiful and protect them from all kinds of diseases, right? Today we are going to talk about a very valuable vaccine that can protect children from several types of serious cancers that they may develop in the future. That is the HPV vaccine. This is not only important for children, but it can also be important for you, young adults. Let's talk about everything in simple terms.

First of all, what is HPV?

Simply put, HPV is a virus. To be precise, it is a virus called ``Human Papillomavirus''. It is a very common virus, like the common cold. But it is spread through close skin-to-skin contact, such as during sex. It is so common that about 80% of sexually active people will develop this HPV infection at some point in their lives.

But don't worry. Most of the time, our own immune system can fight off the virus and kill it. We don't even notice it.

But sometimes, some types of HPV viruses do not leave the body. They can persist in the body for a long time and cause serious problems. The most important of these is cancer. This HPV virus is the cause of a very high percentage of cervical cancer. It also causes cancers related to the genitals, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer. In addition, this HPV virus is also the cause of a condition called genital warts.

So what exactly happens with the HPV vaccine?

Here's the important thing. The HPV vaccine is a vaccine that prevents infection, not a treatment for an infection. That means that if you get the vaccine before you are exposed to any type of HPV virus, it will protect you from getting infected if you do get the virus. It's like the polio and measles vaccines that are given as children.

Remember, if you are already infected with one type of HPV, this vaccine cannot cure that infection. However, this vaccine can protect you from other types of HPV that you have not yet been infected with.

This vaccine mainly prevents:

• Cervical cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Penile cancer
• Anal cancer
• Cancer of the back of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer)
• Genital warts

How many types of HPV vaccines are there?

Yes, there are three types of HPV vaccines. But currently, only one type is used the most in the world and provides the most protection. Let's take a look at that.

You can ask your doctor about the vaccines currently available in Sri Lanka from the government and private sectors.

Who should get this vaccine? What is the best age?

This vaccine is recommended for everyone, regardless of gender, because the HPV virus affects both sexes. The best time to get the vaccine is before becoming sexually active.

• Children between the ages of 9 and 12: This is the best and most appropriate age to get vaccinated. At this age, children's immune systems are very strong, so the response to the vaccine is very high. Therefore, the protection provided is maximum.
• Young people up to 26 years of age:If you did not get this vaccine when you were younger, it is recommended that you get it by age 26. Even if you start the vaccine series and stop halfway, you can complete the remaining doses.
• Adults between the ages of 27 and 45: The effectiveness of the vaccine for people in this age group may vary from person to person. This is because many people at this age may have been exposed to several types of HPV. However, if you are new to sexual activity or have had few previous sexual encounters, you may also benefit from this vaccine. It is best to talk to your doctor about this before making a decision.

Are there people who should not get vaccinated?

Yes, in some cases it is not appropriate to get this vaccine.

• Pregnant women: The safety of this vaccine during pregnancy has not been adequately studied, so it is best to get the vaccine after you have your baby. However, if you accidentally get a dose of the vaccine and later find out you are pregnant, don't worry. There are no reports of it harming your baby.
• People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose: Tell your doctor if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of HPV vaccine, or if you have a severe allergy to anything in the vaccine (e.g., yeast).
• People with severe or moderate illness: If you have an illness such as fever or cough, it is best to get vaccinated after you have fully recovered.

What is the number of doses and schedule for getting the vaccine?

The number of doses you receive depends on how old you are when you start getting the vaccine.

Special Note: Immunocompromised individuals of any age should complete the 3-dose vaccination series.

What are the real benefits of getting the HPV vaccine?

The biggest advantage of this is that it protects against serious cancers that may occur in the future.

• For girls and women: Cervical cancer rates have dropped dramatically worldwide since the vaccine was introduced in 2006. This is something that can save lives.
• For boys and men: Many people think that this is a vaccine only for girls. That's wrong. This vaccine helps protect against throat, anal, and penile cancers that can occur in men. Also, by getting vaccinated, you can protect your future partner from the HPV virus.

Should you be afraid of side effects?

Absolutely not. The HPV vaccine is a very safe vaccine. Like any vaccine, there may be minor side effects. But they are temporary.

• Soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site
• Headache or feeling tired
• Muscle or joint pain
• Dizziness
• Fever like a fever
• Nausea

These symptoms disappear completely within a day or two. Severe allergic reactions are very rare.

What are the misconceptions in society about vaccines?

Unfortunately, there is misinformation and myths circulating in society about this valuable vaccine. Let's be aware of that too.

Myth 1: Giving this vaccine to children will encourage them to have sex at a younger age.

Fact: This is completely false. There is no research that has proven any link between getting this vaccine and when a child becomes sexually active. This is like saying, "If you wear a helmet to protect yourself from an accident, you are more likely to have an accident on purpose." We are giving vaccines to protect them from diseases in the future, when they are adults and have healthy relationships.

Myth 2: This vaccine is only important for girls.

Truth:As we've talked about before, this is just as important for boys. The HPV virus can cause cancer and genital warts in men, too. Getting vaccinated also helps prevent you from becoming a carrier of the virus and spreading it to others.

Do I need to have a Pap test because I have received the HPV vaccine?

You should definitely do it! This is very important. Although the vaccine provides you with a high level of protection against the main types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, it does not protect you from all types of cancer-causing HPV. Therefore, it is essential to have a cervical cancer screening (Pap test) on time.

Is there any point in getting the vaccine if I already have HPV?

That's something you should discuss with your doctor. The vaccine can't protect you from the type of HPV you have already been infected with. However, it can protect you from other types of HPV that the vaccine covers that you haven't been infected with yet.

I have received an older vaccine (Gardasil/Cervarix). Do I need to receive the new Gardasil-9 as well?

This is not usually recommended. Even with older vaccines, you are already well protected against the types of HPV that cause the most cancer. So, along with getting regular Pap tests, that protection is sufficient. But if you have any doubts about this, talk to your doctor.