Cervical Cancer Vaccine in India: Accessibility, Cost, and Effectiveness

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in India. Despite it being a largely preventable disease, thousands of women continue to suffer from it every year. The key weapon in the fight against cervical cancer is the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine, yet many are still unaware of its availability, cost, and effectiveness. Let’s dive into the world of cervical cancer vaccines in India and discover how they can protect future generations of women.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. This type of cancer usually develops slowly and is often linked to a long-lasting infection with certain kinds of HPV, a virus passed through sexual contact. If left untreated, cervical cancer can be fatal, but the good news is that it can be largely prevented through vaccination and regular screening.

The arrival of the cervical cancer vaccine has changed everything with respect to the prevention of this disease. But how easy is it to get this vaccine in India? What’s the price, & how well does it really protect against cervical cancer?

What is the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine helps guard against those specific strains of human papillomavirus that are most likely to cause cervical cancer. Typically, the vaccine is given in two or three doses over several months, depending on how old you are when you get it. Over the years, several HPV vaccines have been introduced in India like Gardasil. It's mostly recommended for girls aged 9 to 14 but can also be good for older women who might not have come into contact with the virus yet.

Is Cervical Cancer Vaccine Available in India?

Absolutely! These days, getting the cervical cancer vaccine has become much easier in India. Still, there's work to do, especially in rural areas. India’s first HPV vaccine called Cervavac has been introduced with hopes that more women will access this important preventive measure. But many women, especially those living in low-income parts, do not know about these vaccines or can’t afford to buy them.

The Indian government has been working to include HPV vaccines in national immunisation programs so that more people can access them easily. Numerous awareness campaigns are launched to educate the public about the benefits of the vaccine and spread information about these vaccines and their benefits. Yet, more needs to happen for everyone across the nation to get this protection.

How Much is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

The cost of getting the vaccine can change based on which one you choose and where you go for it. For instance, Gardasil Vaccine might cost around INR 2,500 to INR 3,500 per dose at private hospitals. On the other hand, Cervavac aims to be more wallet-friendly so that it is accessible to a larger portion of the population. You can buy these vaccines online from reputable websites and get guaranteed discounts too.

The higher price of some HPV vaccines has kept many families from getting them, especially those with fewer resources. But with cheaper options like Cervavac available now, we hope more families will find it easy to get their hands on this vital vaccine.

How Effective is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

Research shows that this vaccine can prevent up to 90% of cases related to HPV if given before exposure happens! It works best when administered to young girls before they become sexually active since they likely haven't encountered HPV yet.

While no vaccine guarantees complete safety, this one offers strong protection against strains most linked with cervical cancer. Even if you've had your shot, it's still critical to go for regular screenings, like Pap smears and HPV tests. They help catch early signs of any changes before they become serious.

What are the Side Effects of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

Like all shots, the HPV vaccine may cause a few mild side effects, but nothing too alarming! Commonly reported effects include:

● Pain

● Redness

● Swelling where you got your shot

● Headaches

● Dizziness

● Nausea

Serious issues are rare. Most experts agree that the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh any potential downsides.

Is HPV Vaccine Recommended for Older Adults?

Mostly recommended for young girls & women, but older females might salso benefit from it. If you haven't come across HPV yet, or you're uncertain, the vaccine may still help protect you! It’s always wise to chat with your doctor about whether this option makes sense for you if you're over 26.

Why Is Awareness Low About The Cervical Cancer Vaccine In India?

Even though it's available here in India, many people still don’t know much about it. Cultural views, lack of education about its safety & effectiveness all play roles to the low vaccination rate.

Some families worry that vaccinating their daughters could affect fertility or think it encourages early sexual behaviour. Much effort from healthcare providers and educational campaigns is underway to clear these misconceptions and help families understand why vaccines are lifesavers!

How To Avoid Cervical Cancer?

While vaccination stands as one major way to shield yourself from cervical cancer, it's not your only defence option. Regular check-ups, along with safe practices & leading a healthy life, will help lower your risks.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Get vaccinated: Receiving the HPV shot should be your first step toward protection. Ensure that every woman in your family is vaccinated.

2. Attend regular screenings: No exemptions here, even if vaccinated. Regular checks are crucial in detecting early signs of cervical cancer.

3. Practice safe sex: Since HPV spreads during sexual activity, practising safe habits reduces risk.

4. Quit smoking: There's proof that links smoking with higher risks for several cancers, including cervical cancer.

What Does The Future Hold For Cervical Cancer Prevention In India?

Hope is on the horizon in India with the launch of the affordable Cervavac vaccine, now available at a 15% discount on MrMed. Alongside increasing awareness about the importance of protecting ourselves from this disease, progress is being made. However, more efforts are needed to ensure that life-saving vaccinations are accessible to everyone, everywhere.

As healthcare gets better throughout India and integrates vaccination programs more widely, more women will have chances at safeguarding their health against cervical cancer! Success relies on combining education efforts while eliminating the stigma around getting vaccinated!

Closing Remarks

Although we still face challenges in fighting cervical cancer across India, the arrival of these vaccines brings hope for countless women out there! Accessibility issues remain, as do price points, but we seek brighter days ahead with ongoing support from healthcare providers and the government.

If you're considering getting vaccinated, or thinking about someone close, it’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare expert first so you know your choices and how best to safeguard yourselves! It's definitely time, we all deserve a chance at good health while fighting against cervical cancer together!