HPV Vaccination Part 2

Why is HPV vaccination necessary, Continuation from part 1
HPV infection
Sexual intercourse is largely responsible for transmission of HPV especially genital infection. Viruses that cause HPV infection are present around anus and also around genitals. It can also be transmitted through skin contact. Infection can be caused by many types of HPV. All women have the possibility to have HPV at some point of time in their lives. It can be harmless as the immune system throws it out of the system. Sexual intercourse even once can cause risk of developing genital HPV infection. Hence it is not necessary that you have more than one sexual partner in the past. Women who are sexually active have higher risk, also women with multiple sexual partners as they start having sex at young age. Contraceptives like condoms can be used as prevention to genital HPV infection but these condoms are used only when the contact starts and also the genital area is completely not covered by condoms. Hence it can also be passed even if a condom is used. HPV infection with high risk type results in 99% cases of cervical cancer. There are no visible symptoms for this type.
Vaccination against some types of HPV
HPV vaccination has the tendency to protect you from some infection types. Before the woman enters into any sexual intercourse it is advisable to vaccinate her with HPV vaccination. This is very effective. UK vaccination programme uses vaccine that protects you against two varieties of HPV which are responsible for 70% cases of cervical cancer (HPV18 and HPV16). This is not a guaranteed protection and it also protects against only few types of HPV not all. Hence it is a must to do screening for cervical cancer regularly.
Facts
HPV vaccination
In UK clinical trial of vaccine used in HPV vaccination programme show that, women between the age of 15-25 years are protected against HPV 18-16 type which together result in 70% of cervical cancer cases. Trials have also shown that this vaccine protects in children between the age group of 10-14 years. Before women start getting into sexual activities HPV vaccine should be given to provide maximum protection and benefits.
What HPV vaccines do not do,
No protection against genital warts
Current cervical cancer is not treated
Does not treat current HPV infection
Does not create immunity to fight with cervical cancer,
No protection against conditions or illness
No protection against infection from other types of HPV
Who can use it,
HPV vaccinations are an integral part of nation wide immunization programme. Girls in the age group of 12-13 years who attend secondary schools are given. For girls in age group of 13-18 years a three year catch up programme is available. Towards the end of this catch up programme, girls below 18 years should have been given HPV vaccine. Current women of 18 years or above are not yet offered this vaccination. However in future, department of health will decide to provide HPV vaccination to every women in age group of 18-25 years.
Before getting vaccinated you need to inform your GP that the person being vaccinated has the following:
Thrombocytopenia – this is a condition which makes the person bleed abnormally
Weak immune system – HIV or results in defect.

Similar to any other vaccine or medicine, HPV vaccine is not recommended if the child has the following problems:
Allergies to certain ingredients,
Has experienced a allergic reaction previously to the similar vaccine,
In case the child has high fever and illness.

In case the child has infection like common cold and mild fever, you can still vaccinate the child.