The HPV Vaccine in India: A Shield Against a Silent Threat

Introduction

Vaccines have been shown to be a powerful tool in the world of contemporary medicine against a
variety of ailments. The HPV vaccine stands out among these shots as a potent weapon in the war against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a widespread virus that can have major health repercussions, including various malignancies. In this thorough guide, we'll delve into the world of HPV, discuss the hazards it entails, the importance of the HPV vaccine, and explain why it's crucial for people of all ages and genders.

Understanding HPV

A family of related viruses known as the human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the skin and mucous membranes of people. With millions of new cases reported each year, it is one of the most widespread STIs in the world. Since HPV is mainly spread through close skin-to-skin contact, it is extremely contagious. The virus can affect the mouth, throat, and genital regions, and it frequently goes unrecognized because it might not result in any symptoms.

Although there are more than 200 different forms of HPV, not all of them are seriously harmful to the body. HPV is divided into two categories:

1. Low-risk HPV:

These HPVs cause benign disorders like genital warts, which are not malignant. They typically do not pose a life-threatening threat, but they could create discomfort and cosmetic issues.

1. 2. High-risk HPV: This category contains various HPV strains that might cause cancer. Particularly, HPV is significantly linked to oropharyngeal (throat) cancer as well as anal, penile, vaginal, and cervical cancer.
   
   
   The HPV Vaccine in India
   
   
   In India, where cervical cancer is the most common cancer-related death among women, the introduction of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine marks a significant advancement in the fight against the disease. The HPV vaccine provides a potent method of preventing cervical cancer, which is a condition that is avoidable.

The Indian government launched a national HPV vaccination campaign in 2009 after realizing the pressing need to address this public health concern. The initiative first offered free vaccinations against the most prevalent cancer-causing HPV strains to girls between the ages of 10 and 14.

The program has gotten better at reaching marginalized populations over time and has grown to include a more comprehensive age range. This is important because women in rural and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer.

The introduction of the HPV vaccine in India demonstrates a commitment to lessening the incidence of cervical cancer and emphasizes the value of preventative healthcare. India may get a step closer to reaching its aim of eradicating cervical cancer as a hazard to public health by continuing to improve knowledge, accessibility, and cost of vaccination. Fortunately, India's initiatives in this area serve as a model for other countries confronting comparable difficulties in the fight against cervical cancer.

Cost of HPV or cervical cancer vaccines

• For all international vaccines, the average dose price ranges from INR 3000 to 10000. The first HPV vaccination for cervical cancer developed in India was introduced by the Serum Institute of India.
• This locally produced vaccine, known as CERVAVAC, will be available for purchase by May or June of this year (2023). Two doses are anticipated to cost less than 500 INR on average (future costs could be significantly lower).

The Link Between HPV and Cancer

Cervical cancer is the most well-known type of cancer that HPV is a leading cause of. For years or even decades, the virus may remain in the body, steadily raising the risk of developing cancer. How HPV and cancer are related is as follows:

Cervical Cancer: The occurrence of cervical cancer is linked to persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains, notably HPV types 16 and 18. The fourth most frequent malignancy in women overall, cervical cancer claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year.

Oropharyngeal Cancer: A large percentage of oropharyngeal (throat) malignancies are caused by HPV. Cancers of the throat's tonsils, tongue, and back are included in this. Oropharyngeal cancer risk associated with HPV has been rising over time. Cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, and penis can also be brought on by high-risk HPV strains.

The Importance of the HPV Vaccine

Given the serious health concerns linked to HPV, immunization against this virus has become essential to preventing diseases linked to HPV. The HPV vaccine is made to guard against both the low-risk variants that result in genital warts and the most prevalent high-risk HPV strains linked to cancer.

The HPV vaccine is essential for the following reasons, among others:

Cervical cancer prevention: The HPV vaccine provides good defense against the high-risk HPV strains that are most closely associated with cervical cancer. People can drastically lower their risk of contracting this deadly disease by getting vaccinated.

Protection Against Additional malignancies: The vaccine also offers defense against additional malignancies linked to HPV, such as anal, penile, vaginal, and oropharyngeal cancers. This means that vaccinations can help both men and women.

Herd Immunity: Mass vaccination can produce herd immunity, which lowers the population's overall HPV prevalence and further safeguards those who cannot receive the vaccine, such as those with certain medical conditions.

Genital warts, which can be ugly, unpleasant, and emotionally upsetting, can be prevented by the vaccine against low-risk HPV strains. Vaccines Available for HPV There are a number of HPV vaccinations available, each with a distinct amount of protection and compatibility for certain age groups. The HPV vaccinations that are most frequently used include:

• Gardasil 9: This vaccine offers defense against nine HPV strains, including the most prevalent high-risk strains (16 and 18) and low-risk strains (6 and 11), the main culprits behind genital warts. Depending on age and past immunization history, it is safe for both men and women and is given in a series of two or three doses.
• Gardasil: This vaccination defends against four HPV strains, including the low-risk strains 6 and 11 as well as the high-risk strains 16 and 18. Additionally, it is safe for both genders and is given in a sequence of three doses.
• Cervarix: With an emphasis on preventing cervical cancer, Cervarix is primarily made to guard against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18. It is usually given in a series of three doses, and it is advised.
• CERVAVAC: The first HPV vaccination for cervical cancer developed in India was introduced by Serum Institute of India. This will be available in markets in India in 2023

Vaccine Recommendations

The recommended age for HPV immunization varies by nation and medical recommendations. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in the United States advises routine HPV vaccination for:

Teenagers: The HPV vaccine is advised for both genders at the age of 11 or 12. The best defense against probable sexual exposure to the virus is vaccination at this young age.

Young Adults: Up until the age of 26, people who missed out on the adolescent vaccination can still benefit from a catch-up shot. The effectiveness of vaccination, however, increases with age.

1. Adults: Vaccination decisions for adults ages 27 to 45 should be undertaken in cooperation with a healthcare professional. Although the vaccine can still provide some protection, elderly people may experience decreased efficacy.
   
   
   Remember that getting vaccinated can still be advantageous even if a person has already been exposed to one or more HPV types. The vaccines offer defense against the specific strains they contain, lowering the likelihood of recurring infections and associated health problems.

Safety and Efficacy of the HPV Vaccine

The safety and effectiveness of HPV vaccines have been thoroughly examined in large-scale clinical trials involving thousands of participants. These vaccinations have shown:

High Effectiveness: When it comes to avoiding the specific HPV infections and diseases they are connected with, HPV vaccinations have demonstrated extraordinary efficacy. For instance, when used as advised, Gardasil 9 offers nearly 100% protection against the HPV strains it targets.

Safety: It has been established that HPV vaccines are safe, with side effects often being minor and transient. The most frequent adverse effects are fever, disorientation, and discomfort or swelling where the injection was given. There are very few cases of severe allergic responses.

1. Long-term Protection: Research has shown that HPV vaccines offer enduring defense against HPV infection and associated illnesses. Although study into the protection's length is still ongoing, the available data indicates that it might last for many years.
   
   
   Displacing Myths and Falsehoods
   
   
   Several myths and misconceptions have persisted despite the weight of data pointing to the safety and efficacy of HPV vaccines, which has resulted in vaccine hesitancy in some populations. It's critical to dispel these myths and offer truthful information:
   Myth: The HPV vaccine tempts adolescents to engage in sexual behavior.
   
   
   Fact: No evidence between HPV vaccination with increased sexual activity has been identified in numerous research. The vaccine is not meant to change behavior; it is just meant to prevent diseases linked to HPV.
   
   
   Myth: Only females need the HPV vaccine. Fact: It is accurate to say that both men and women should have an HPV vaccination. It guards against a variety of malignancies and illnesses linked to HPV that affect people of both sexes.
   Myth: The HPV vaccine poses a health risk.

1. Fact: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have all conducted considerable research and verified the safety of HPV vaccines.
   
   
   Myth: Immunity gained naturally is preferable to vaccination.
   
   
   Factual statement: While some people may experience natural immunity following an HPV infection, this immunity is only effective against the particular HPV type they were exposed to. The many HPV types that are covered by HPV vaccines offer a more comprehensive and dependable immunity.

Conclusion

The HPV vaccine is an effective weapon in the struggle against a widespread and potentially deadly virus. It is essential for both men and women and gives defense against numerous cancer kinds. We may lessen the impact of HPV-related diseases and make substantial progress toward a healthier future for everybody by comprehending the significance of HPV vaccination, correcting myths, and encouraging widespread immunization. To make educated decisions about HPV vaccination, people should speak with their healthcare professional, as they do with any healthcare decision. The quiet menace of HPV must be prioritized in order to safeguard ourselves and the next generation.