Cervical cancer is one of the most frightening diseases for women. However, this disease can be prevented by giving cervical cancer vaccine. When can the cervical cancer vaccine be given and are there any side effects from the vaccine? Find out the answer here.
Cervical cancer is cancer that grows in cells in the uterus. This cancer is generally caused by: human papillomavirus (HPV) which can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, especially risky sex, for example, frequently changing sexual partners or having sex without a condom.
Cervical cancer vaccine can be given as an effort to prevent transmission of the HPV virus, as well as prevent cervical cancer due to the virus.
How to Give Cervical Cancer Vaccine
Currently, cervical cancer vaccine in Indonesia is recommended to be given to adolescent girls, starting from the age of 10 years and over.
For adolescents aged 10-13 years, giving the HPV vaccine or cervical cancer vaccine is enough 2 doses, while adolescents aged 16-18 years need 3 doses, with a distance of 1-6 months between each injection dose.
However, women who are more mature can still get the cervical cancer vaccine, but according to doctor's advice.
The vaccine dose is believed to provide long-term protection from HPV infection. If as a teenager the vaccine dose was not complete, it is better to consult a doctor to complete the vaccine dose.
Actually not only women, men can also benefit from this vaccine, because the HPV virus can also cause genital warts, anal cancer, and throat cancer.
Different Types of Cervical Cancer Vaccines
There are many variants of the HPV virus, and some of them can cause cervical cancer. Therefore, cervical cancer vaccine is also available in several types, according to protection against HPV virus variants.
Here are some types of vaccines that can be used to prevent cervical cancer:
C . Vaccineervarix
Cervarix vaccine is used to prevent cervical cancer caused by infection with HPV-16 and HPV-18. This vaccine can be given to women aged 9-25 years.
Gardasil Vaccine
Gardasil vaccine is used to prevent cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, and cancer of the vagina and anus. In addition to preventing infection caused by HPV-16 and HPV-18, this vaccine can also prevent infection with HPV-6 and HPV-11 as the cause of genital warts.
This vaccine can be given to both men and women, starting at the age of 9-26 years.
G . Vaccineardasil 9
The coverage of preventing HPV infection from this vaccine is wider than the previous Gardasil vaccine, which includes HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-45, HPV-52, and HPV-58 which are also causes of cervical cancer. This vaccine can be given to both men and women, starting at the age of 9-45 years.
Risk of Side Effects of Cervical Cancer Vaccine
Side effects of cervical cancer vaccine generally occur temporarily and are relatively mild. Some of the side effects that are often complained of are swelling, pain and redness at the injection site, and headaches.
Not only that, there are also some people who experience side effects in the form of fever, nausea, and pain around the arms, hands or feet, to the appearance of an itchy red rash.
In rare cases, cervical cancer vaccine can trigger a severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic allergy characterized by shortness of breath.
In addition to the HPV vaccine, there are several other preventative steps you can take to reduce the risk of cervical cancer, such as having safe sex using condoms and not having multiple partners, not smoking, and routinely having sex. PAP smear to monitor the condition of the cervix.
If you want to get a cervical cancer vaccine, consult with your doctor to find out the right schedule for you and what side effects to watch out for.