Vaccination is considered to be the most effective way to protect against complications caused by a particular disease. To keep children safe from the risk of many serious diseases, it is advisable to get vaccinated at regular intervals after birth. Even during the Corona epidemic, the disease was controlled to a great extent as a result of the extensive vaccination campaign.

These days there is a lot of discussion about the HPV vaccine and awareness campaigns are being run to promote its vaccination. What is this HPV vaccine and what kind of benefits can it provide?

The HPV vaccine helps prevent infection caused by human papillomavirus. HPV vaccines are considered the most effective way to prevent deadly cervical cancer in women.

Vaccine protects against cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Different types of human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, are the major causes of cervical cancer. HPV is spread through sexual contact. The HPV vaccine is effective in preventing this type of infection and its complications.

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in women. Cervical cancer accounts for approximately 6-29% of all cancers in Indian women. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) suggests routine HPV vaccination at age 12. This vaccine can be effective in preventing not only cervical cancer but also many other serious health problems.

Can also protect from all types of cancer
Apart from cervical cancer, HPV vaccination may also help reduce the risk of anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancer, health experts say. Lakhs of people die every year due to these cancers. Due to the lack of timely identification and treatment of symptoms, the mortality rate of these cancers is seen to be high. If HPV vaccination is done on time, it can help in reducing the risk of many types of cancers.

Vaccination necessary for herd immunity against HPV
The HPV vaccine not only protects the vaccinated person but also helps reduce transmission of the virus within communities. This concept is called herd immunity. Health experts say that herd immunity can be beneficial in reducing the rate of any type of infection in the population, in which most of the people are safe from infection and have developed immunity to the disease.

Consult a doctor for vaccination
Health experts say, cervical cancer is seen emerging as a big risk. When a larger portion of the population gets vaccinated against HPV, it may also benefit those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or age. This can also be an effective way to indirectly protect from infection. Be sure to consult your doctor for HPV vaccination.
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