HPV (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine)

The increasing cases of cervical cancer caused due to the human papillomavirus have brought about the human papillomavirus vaccine. This vaccine is important to reduce the risk and protect individuals from cervical cancer in India. It helps the human body to improve its immunity by producing antibodies. The human papillomavirus vaccine is generally given to young individuals between 11-12 years of age and adults upto the age of 26 years. It should also be given to health care practitioners. This vaccine has a few side effects like fever, headache, nausea, swelling at the site of the shot, etc. Having a good health insurance provider is important, as the hospitalisation charges upon contacting this virus are quite high

How Much Does HPV Vaccine Cost in India?

The cost of the HPV vaccine in India depends on the manufacturing company producing it. While Cervarix costs ₹3,299 per dose, Gardasil costs ₹2,800 per dose. Irrespective of the HPV vaccine price in India, health experts suggest that it is best to get the vaccine at the earliest to protect yourself from a type of cancer that could potentially develop from HPV infections. There are over 5,10,000 new cases and 2,88,000 deaths due to cervical cancer globally every year, so it is a good idea to take preventative action by getting the vaccine.

Why the HPV Vaccine is Important for You

The HPV vaccine is primarily given to stay protected from developing cancers that are typically caused by HPV infections. It is recommended to get vaccinated against HPV as HPV 16 and 18 are the cause for nearly 76.7% of cervical cancer cases in India. In addition, the papillomavirus vaccine can also provide protection for women against developing cervical cancer. Typically, like any other vaccine, the HPV vaccine works on the human body to improve the immune response of the body.

 

The papillomavirus vaccine instigates the human body to produce antibodies that essentially bind to the virus to prevent the papillomavirus from affecting the human cells. So, the vaccine stimulates a primary immune response in the body. Now, when the actual human papillomavirus affects the human body, a secondary immune response is produced that is much greater in efficiency compared to the first, thereby helping fight the virus. For the vaccine to work effectively, the HPV vaccine schedule must be followed properly. This HPV vaccine schedule varies based on age and other parameters.

 

Know How the HPV Vaccine is Administered

The process of administering the papillomavirus vaccine is quite simple. Here’s what you need to do:

• Visit the Healthcare Centre

First, you would have to reach the medical centre of your shot to begin the vaccination process.

• Vitals Measured

Then, your vitals such as your blood pressure would be measured.

• Vaccine Dose Calculated

Once your vitals are measured, the doctor/nurse will prepare the right vaccine dose for you and get you prepared for being dosed.

• The Vaccine is Administered

Then, your dose would be administered to you on your upper arm. You will then be given certain instructions to be prepared in case of any side effects.

Depending on your age, the HPV injection is given in a 2 or 3 dose schedule.

 

• For HPV vaccine age group 9 - 14 years: 2 vaccine doses are given at an interval of 6 months.

• For HPV vaccine age group 15 - 45 years: 3 doses with the second dose taken a month after the first and third dose taken 5 months after the second.

What are the Types of HPV Vaccines you can Get?

There are 3 primary types of papillomavirus vaccine. They are as follows:

 

• 9-valent HPV vaccine

This vaccine is available under the name of Gardasil 9 9vHPV.

• Bivalent HPV vaccine

This is available under the name of Cervarix 2vHPV.

• Quadrivalent HPV vaccine

This vaccine type is available under the name of Gardasil 4vHPV.

All 3 of these vaccines are licensed by the USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration). These vaccines offer protection against HPV 16 and HPV 18, which are the main cause of most HPV cancers.

 

Who Needs to Take the HPV Vaccine

Ideally, all preteens should take the HPV vaccine.

• Young Individuals/Preteens

The HPV vaccine age is between 11 and 12 years, indicating that the vaccine should be given to all preteen individuals. This will help them stay safe in advance and prevent HPV cancers in the later stages of their lives.

• Adults

In addition to preteens, the HPV vaccine for adults is equally important. Both young adults and teens up to the age of 26 who have had incomplete shots or no shots at all should be vaccinated. Moreover, the human papillomavirus vaccine is not recommended for adults above the age of 26 as it may not provide equally effective benefits.

• Healthcare Practitioners

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers should be vaccinated.

• People With Other Health Issues

People who have conditions like HIV, diabetes, asthma, or any heart condition.

Who Should Avoid Getting the HPV Vaccine?

While the papillomavirus vaccine is beneficial and works well to prevent HPV cancer in the future, there is a certain group of individuals who should avoid taking the vaccine. The main reason is that they may find the vaccine to do more harm than good. Here is a list of people who should avoid taking the human papillomavirus vaccine.

• Pregnant Women

Women who are pregnant should steer away from the vaccine.

• People With Allergies

People who have an allergic reaction to yeast should avoid taking the vaccine as both Gardasil and Gardasil 9 have yeast concentrations in them.

• People Allergic to Vaccine

Individuals who have a negative reaction to HPV vaccines or from any component in the HPV vaccine should avoid getting it.

HPV Vaccine Side Effects You Should Be Aware of

Here is a list of possible side effects that you can experience after getting the HPV shot.

 

• Fever

• Nausea

• Muscle pain

• Joint pain

• Swelling and pain in the arm where the shot was administered

• Headache

• Tiredness

• Jerking movements (rare)

   

Very rarely, some individuals may also experience allergic reactions after the HPV vaccine is given. In such cases or in cases where the side effects seem to exacerbate, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.

Final Words

As mentioned, the HPV shot is quite essential as it provides protection against several types of cancers and genital warts as well. It is recommended to get all shots of the HPV vaccine injection within the prescribed timeline at the earliest. While vaccines can protect you against certain diseases, there are many other medical conditions and communicable diseases that anyone can catch. Hence, it is best to get health insurance to cover any treatment expenses for covered illnesses. If you do not have existing health insurance, you can check out the health insurance plans available online on Bajaj Markets and choose one that suits your needs. 

 

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