Cervical Cancer Vaccine: Types, Age Limit, Cost And Risk Factors

Hello readers! Do you know that cervical cancer is the leading cause of death among females and is the second most dangerous cancer type in India? You will be shocked to know there were around 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022, and the ratio is still increasing day by day.

We were all unaware until February 2, 2024, when the fake news of “Poonam Panday’s” death due to cervical cancer took a toll on social media platforms. However, the good news is there are cervical cancer vaccines that can protect against it. Continue reading to know about the types, doses, age limits, and risk factors of the HPV or cervical cancer vaccine!

Key Highlights 

• Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death and is the 2nd most common cancer in females.

• Cervical cancer in females is caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

• There are more than 100 varieties of HPV there, of which 15–20 are oncogenic.

• At present, three  HPV vaccines are available: Gardasil-9, Gardasil and Cervarix.

• The HPV vaccine age limit in females is 9–45 years. 

Table Of Contents

1. What Are Cervical Cancer Vaccines? 

2. What Is The Latest Cervical Vaccine?

3. What Is The Age Limit For The Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

4. How Many Doses Of HPV Vaccines Are Needed?

5. How Do HPV Vaccines Work?

6. Why Is HPV Vaccination Important?

7. Who Should Not Get an HPV Vaccine?

8. How Does Cervical Cancer Occur?

9. How To Prevent Cervical Cancer?

10. Should I Get The HPV Vaccine At 40?

11. The Final Say

12. FAQs

13. References 

What Are Cervical Cancer Vaccines? 

Vaccines are the biological preparation that boosts your immunity and provides protection against infections caused by viruses. Cervical cancer is caused by the infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be prevented by HPV vaccines.

You will be shocked to know that there are approximately 200 related HPV viruses, out of which over 40 viruses are spread specifically through sexual contact. These viruses are responsible for causing cancer of cervical, anal, vulvar, oropharyngeal, and vagina.

In India, only two HPV vaccines, Gardasil 9 and Cervarix, got approval from the DCGI, which the World Health Organization prequalifies. While in the United States, three HPV vaccines have been licensed: Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix. 

Also Read: Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

These cervical cancer vaccines protect against the infection with 9 HPV types:

What Is The Latest Cervical Vaccine?

There are three types of cervical cancer vaccines, each protecting against different strains of HPV. It's important to know which vaccine you received to understand your level of protection.

1. Gardasil-9

It offers the most comprehensive protection against HPV, guarding against infections associated with

2. Gardasil

It was the first FDA-approved HPV vaccine and came into use in 2006. It can protect the following strains 

3. Cervarix

This HPV vaccine was approved in the year 2009 and protects only against the high-risk strains of HPV associated with cancer. Unfortunately, it does not protect from genital warts. It protects against:

• HPV-16.

• HPV-18.

Also Read: World Cancer Day 2024: Know Types, Symptoms, Causes And Prevention Measures

What Is The Age Limit For The Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

According to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the following females of age group are eligible for the HPV vaccine:

Also Read: International Women's Day 2024: Insights On Empowering Women's Health & Wellness 

How Many Doses Of HPV Vaccines Are Needed?

The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine is an important preventative measure against HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that can result in cancer in both men and women. The cervical cancer vaccine shots are typically given over six months and are recommended for females ages 9- 45.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) specifies different dosing schedules for the HPV vaccine based on the age when the vaccination series is started. 

• If the series is started before age 15, only two doses of the vaccine must be completely protected. 

• However, three doses are required if the series starts at age 15 or older or the immune system is weakened.

These vaccines are highly effective in preventing HPV-related cancers and other related health problems. However, researchers constantly explore ways to improve the vaccine's effectiveness and safety. Currently, researchers are looking into whether a single dose of the HPV vaccine could be just as effective as multiple doses. This could make the vaccine more accessible to people who struggle to complete the full series of shots due to logistical or financial barriers.

Also Read: Diet For Cancer Patients: Nutrition, Foods & Tips

How Do HPV Vaccines Work?

HPV vaccines help the body produce antibodies that prevent the virus from infecting cells. The vaccines are made of virus-like particles that resemble the natural virus but are not infectious because they lack the virus's DNA. The vaccines induce high levels of antibody production, bolstering your adaptive immunity and making it prepared for subsequent infections of HPV. However, these vaccines do not prevent other sexually transmitted diseases/STIs or treat existing HPV infections or HPV-caused diseases.

Why Is HPV Vaccination Important?

Cervical cancer vaccines are important because:

• The HPV vaccination, when combined with cervical screening, can provide the best protection against cervical cancer. 

• HPV vaccination can decrease the diagnoses of anogenital warts among women aged 25-29.

• The cervical cancer vaccine is absolutely safe and effective, with studies showing that it is over 90% effective in preventing HPV-related cancers and genital warts.

• The HPV vaccine provides long-lasting protection; most people only need two doses. 

• Universal HPV vaccination could have a significant public health impact since the incidence of HPV-associated non-cervical cancers has been increasing.

Who Should Not Get an HPV Vaccine?

Although the cervical cancer vaccine is safe for every female, there are conditions for which its dosage is usually not recommended; these include

• Pregnant Women 

• Individuals with previous allergic reactions.

• Individuals with severe illness

How Does Cervical Cancer Occur?

Cervical cancer is mainly caused by the infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV), generally through sexual contact. Some more factors may lead to cervical cancer in females:

• Deficiency of the immune system.

• Genetial herpes infection.

• Tobacco or smoking can cause it.

• Using oral contraceptives. 

How To Prevent Cervical Cancer?

To protect yourself from cervical cancer, you can follow preventive measures like:

• It is important to take the doses of HPV vaccine on time to protect.

• Do visit your doctor and have regular medical examinations to detect any flaws in the body. 

• Take the help of Pap tests to detect any precancerous situation.

• Practise safe sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

• It is best to quit smoking to avoid the risk of cancer.

Should I Get The HPV Vaccine At 40?

Yes, you can take your recommended dose of cervical cancer vaccine at 40. In fact, according to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the HPV vaccine can be used by females aged 9-45 years. It is safe to use and is effective in protecting you against HPV infection. Also, consult your doctor first to prevent any side effects.

The Final Say

Finally, vaccination is an effective way to protect yourself against the risk of cervical cancer. After learning the importance of vaccination, I hope you all will complete your vaccination dose. Plus, you will be aware of your known person for the same. It is safe, effective, and provides long-lasting protection.

It is important to note that a vaccine alone cannot guarantee protection against cervical cancer, regular cervical screening and a healthy lifestyle are essential to follow. If you have any doubts about the HPV vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider. Prevention is always better than cure, so vaccinate and take charge of your health today.

FAQs

1. How to prevent cervical cancer? 

It can be prevented by taking a regular dose of the HPV vaccine and screening/pap smear tests. However, along with this, you need to focus on your diet and health as well.

2. How does cervical cancer occur?

Cervical cancer is caused by the infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV), generally through sexual contact.

3. What are the benefits of the cervical cancer vaccine for females?

The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV) action on the body, thus preventing the risk of cancer of the vagina, anus, vulva, and penis. Not only this, it also safeguards against throat, neck and mouth cancers caused by HPV. 

4. What is the age limit for the cervical cancer vaccine? 

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the cervical cancer vaccine age limit ranges between the ages of 9 to 45 years.

5. How much does the cervical cancer vaccine cost? 

The most well-known vaccine is Gardasil 9, which safeguards against 9 types of human papillomavirus. Cervical cancer vaccine in India (Gardasil 9) costs around Rs 10,850 per dose. The vaccine is approved for females aged 9 to 45. 

6. What are the risks of the cervical cancer vaccine?

Well, the HPV vaccine is safe for all individuals, but in some cases, you might feel certain side effects like

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. 

• Dizziness or fainting occurs after the shot.

• Headache or tiredness, nausea

• Muscle or joint pain

7.  What is Gardasil?

Gardasil is an HPV vaccine that the FDA approved in June 2006. It targets human papillomavirus (HPV) strains responsible for cervical cancer: HPV-6, 11, 16, and 18. 

8. How does HPV spread?

HPV is contagious and is generally spread through skin-to-skin contact or by sexual intercourse.

9. Does Gardasil protect against all cervical cancers?

The vaccine does protect against the strains of HPV most likely to cause cancer. 

10. If someone is already sexually active, will this vaccine still work?

If a person has been infected with any of the four strains the vaccine protects against, the vaccine will not protect that type but will prevent infection from the other three.

11.  How many years is the HPV vaccine going for?

The HPV vaccines Gardasil, Cervarix, and Gardasil-9 remain effective after 10+ years of vaccination. Currently, Gardasil-9 is effective for at least 6 years. Scientists will continue to monitor their effectiveness over time. So, there is no need for a booster shot if you have been vaccinated for several years.

12. How common is cervical cancer, and how deadly?

Well, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women globally. There are about 500,000 new cases and 250,000 cervical cancer deaths each year. 

References 

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines - NCI

• Cervical cancer in India and HPV vaccination - PMC 

• HPV, Cervical Cancer Vaccine: 15 Facts 

• HPV Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know | CDC 

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