Cervical cancer shots
The department of health is launching a new vaccine called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) as part of government's efforts to reduce cervical cancer among women and young girls.
POLOKWANE – The department of health is launching a new vaccine called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) as part of government’s efforts to reduce cervical cancer among women and young girls.
Joe Maila, the department’s national spokesperson says the HPV vaccine will be launched on Thursday and more details about the vaccine will be made known then.
Review spoke to Veronica Stopforth, general practitioner at Medpark Clinic in the city to get more information about HPV and the HPV vaccine.
“The HPV vaccine indicated to help protect nine to 26 year old males and females. It does not treat, it prevents. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccinations for girls and boys ages 11 to 12. The CDC also recommends vaccination for women aged 13 to 26 and young men aged 13 to 21 that have not been already vaccinated,” Stopforth explains.
According to Stopforth, there are more than 100 types of the virus and most types do not cause any symptoms, are harmless and go away on their own.
“About 30 types of HPV are known as genital HPV since they affect the genital area. Some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the cervix, that could turn into cancer,” she explains.
She adds that worldwide over 600 women die each day of cervical cancer.
“Because people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, they can transmit the virus without even knowing it, because it is spread through any kind of intimacy that involves genital contact. Anyone who has sexual activity involving genital contact, could get genital HPV,” Stopforth says.
About half of all females diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years old, Stopforth confirmed.
“Many of these women were most likely exposed to cancer-causing HPV types during their teens and 20’s.”
She says vaccination protects against types of HPV that cause 75% of cervical cancer cases and 90% of genital warts.
“The vaccination consists of three injections over six months, as by specific indicated schedules and could give as much as lifelong protection against HPV.
Certain types of HPV are prevented and these sub-types of HPV are those known to be the most carcinogenic,” Stopforth explains.
Asked if the vaccine has any side effects, Stopforth identified the following as the most common:
• Pain, swelling, bruising, itching and redness at injection site.
• Headache.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Vomiting.
• Fainting.
“One cannot get HPV or any disease from the vaccines, as there is no live virus in the vaccine. The vaccine contains a protein that helps the body’s immune system produce antibodies against HPV, without causing infection,” Stopforth says.
