The HPV vaccine is important to be given early to prevent the transmission of diseases caused by the HPV virus, including cervical cancer. Because cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women. However, when is the right time to get this vaccine?
Vaccinationhuman papillomavirus (HPV) is part of a series of vaccinations for children and adolescents. Not only children and adolescents, young adult women who are sexually active also need to get the HPV vaccine.
The HPV vaccine plays an important role in preventing diseases caused by HPV infection, such as cervical cancer, penile cancer, anal cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts.
The Right Time to Get the HPV Vaccine
HPV infection often does not cause typical symptoms, but more than 50% of sexually active women and men have been infected with this virus. Therefore, giving the vaccine early is important to protect the body from HPV infection.
The HPV vaccine can be given to children, both girls and boys. The appropriate age to receive this vaccine is 10–13 years. However, adults who have never had the HPV vaccine before or have never had sex can still get the HPV vaccine.
Meanwhile, adults over the age of 27 who are sexually active should consult a doctor first before getting the HPV vaccine.
HPV Vaccine Dosage and Schedule
Ideally, the HPV vaccine is given to teens or young adults who have never had the HPV vaccine before and are not sexually active.
The HPV vaccination needs to be done 3 times with the 2nd HPV vaccine dose schedule given within 1 month after the first dose, then the third dose given 6 months after the second dose.
It should be noted that the HPV vaccine is not recommended for women who are pregnant or have had a severe allergic reaction after receiving the HPV vaccine before. Meanwhile, breastfeeding mothers can still receive HPV injections.
People who are sick or have a fever are advised to postpone the HPV vaccination. The goal is to distinguish the symptoms of the disease experienced by the body's reaction to the vaccine.
It is important to get HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts due to infection with the HPV virus. If you or your child has never had the HPV vaccine, try to consult a doctor for an HPV vaccination.
