India Unleashes Cervical Cancer Vaccine
The government of India has unleashed a vaccine against cervical cancer in a bid to fight the disease, which is one of the leading causes of death among women in the country. The vaccine will be administered to girls aged 9-13 as part of a national immunization program and is estimated to prevent up to 70% of cases.
Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is most commonly found in women aged 30-45. In India, cervical cancer accounts for almost one-quarter of all cancers that affect women, claiming more than 80,000 lives every year.
The release of the new National Cancer Control Program just months earlier outlined an objective to slash the cervical cancer death rate by half come 2025.
With this latest move, India joins a growing number of nations that are actively striving to protect females from developing the disease. In recent years, several high-income countries have introduced vaccines against cervical cancer, including Australia, Canada and the United States. Nonetheless, it remains under-used in countries with low- or middle-incomes despite these being where most cases occur.
India’s decision to roll out a nationwide vaccination initiative for cervical cancer marks a significant step forward in reducing its prevalence across the globe.
Who Made India’s Cervical Cancer Vaccine?
The single company responsible for making Bharat Biotech’s creation available is an Indian firm called Bharat Biotech. It operates as both manufacturer and distributor in India.
When Will People Receive Their Vaccinations?
Girls between 9 and 13 years old will receive their first dose at age nine before getting their second when they turn thirteen.
What Are The Side Effects Of The Vaccine?
After receiving their shots patients may experience pain and swelling around injection points along with feverish sensations, headaches or possibly nausea. These commonly mild symptoms should subside naturally after several days.
Resources:
http://www.bharatbiotech.com/ cervical cancer vaccine manufacturer
http://www.who.int/immunization/programmes_systems/ cervical cancer vaccine
http://www.nhp.gov.in/?q=node/ cervical cancer vaccine age group
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/ HPV and cervical cancer
Who Discovered The World’s First Cervical Cancer Vaccine?
Dr. Harold zur Hausen, a German virologist who discovered HPV-16, the most common form of human papillomavirus associated with cervical cancer.
What’s In The Cervical Cancer Vaccine?
The vaccine is made up of two ingredients: HPV-16 and HPV-18, both of which are very commonly associated with the disease. Patients will receive three doses in a half-year span.
Who Should Get What Cancers Prevention Treatment?
Girls aged between 9–13 years old should be given this vaccine as early as possible because it works best before sexual activity begins.
Ladies aged between 14–26 years old who have yet to receive their shots should get vaccinated too. Note that this may require a different dosage.
What Are the Side Effects of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine?
The most common side effects of the cervical cancer vaccine are mild. They include pain and swelling at the injection site, headache, fever, and nausea. But don’t worry, these symptoms typically fade away on their own.
Serious side effects are extremely rare but there is still a small chance it could happen. If it does occur immediately seek medical attention.
It’s important to remember that this vaccine is safe and will protect you from cervical cancer. However, before making any decisions be sure you consult with your doctor first.
What Else Can I Do to Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Besides getting vaccinated there are many other ways you can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.
Getting regular Pap tests and HPV tests
Quitting smoking
Limiting your number of sexual partners
Using condoms every time you have sex
Avoiding douching and other vaginal cleansing products