Cervical Cancer Awareness: 10 Lesser-Known Facts You Need to Know About HPV Vaccine, According to WHO

Cervical cancer has been widely impacting women’s health and the World Health Organisation terms it as a significant public health challenge that must be addressed on a global scale. In India, cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer that affects women. According to data reports, 77,348 women die every year due to this disease.

This cancer type occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus which is connected to the vagina. According to experts, it develops slowly with time and is caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that is usually spread through sexual contact. January is observed as cervical cancer awareness month and this is aimed to prevent this disease, ensure timely treatment and cure.

4 Lesser-Known Facts You Need to Know, According to WHO

Here are some common questions that people may have about cervical cancer and WHO has provided you with all the information that you may need. Take a look:

1. HPV-vaccinated women also need cervical cancer screening. WHO says that different vaccine products protect against several HPV types that cause seven to nine case out of ten, but are not against all types.
2. If women are vaccinated after they become sexually active, the vaccine does not offer protection against HPV types that they may have been infected with.
3. HPV vaccines do not affect fertility. They do help protect a woman’s health and fertility.
4. Clinical trials, safety monitoring and studies have confirmed that the vaccine does not impact reproductive systems in women.
5. The HPV vaccine helps protect fertility. It can prevent pre-cancerous growth and cervical cancer caused by HPV.
6. The HPV vaccine is effective even for people who are sexually active. They can also benefit from it. But, the vaccine does not offer protection against HPV types if already contracted.
7. WHO says that cervical cancer vaccine should be taken as early as possible in order to get the best benefits from it. Vaccination between the age of 9 and 14.
8. HPV vaccines can be used in persons who are immunocompromised or HIV-infected.
9. HPV vaccine should not be given to anyone who has experience a severe allergic reaction after a previously administered HPV dose or to a component of the vaccine.
10. HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, the research on HPV vaccine in pregnancy is limited.