Cervical cancer Vaccination

I had my first cervical vaccination and it wasn't as scary as i thought. The sharp needle injecting into your skin feel like the bee is sting onto you. There are total of 3 injections need to be done. The second vaccination will be a month later after the first vaccination. The last one will be 6 months later after the second one. Luckily the vaccination fees can be deduct from my mediasave but only for certain stated clinics and requirement must be below 27 years old to enjoy the benefits. So it is fine to deduct from mediasave rather than forking out the cash and u will find yourself hesitating to pay it and rather use it for shopping?Yes ? No?

Before you go down to the clinics,make sure there are available dose otherwise you will waste your time going down. The whole process include waiting time not more than 30 minutes and the injection less than 5 minutes? It was quick and the doctor do explain everything about the vaccination before he starts with the injection.

Currently my hand a bit numb and no energy to move as well. Doctor said maybe will down to fever depends on individual and rashes will be out due to the injection effect.Hopefully no rashes for me as i always stuck with rashes on my leg.

Fun & Facts about the Vaccination against Cervical Cancer...

What are Cervical Cancer Vaccines?

Cervical cancer vaccines (also called Human Papillomavirus or HPV vaccines) protect against the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers.

Cervical cancer affects about 11,000 women each year in the United States. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women. Cervical cancer vaccines can save lives, and prevent the fear and the costs related to cervical cancer and abnormal Pap tests.

What's are HPV and how do you get it?

HPV is a family of very common viruses that cause almost all cervical cancers, plus a variety of other problems like common warts, genital warts and plantar warts. HPV also is part of the cause of cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, and cancers of the head and neck. Women and men become infected with HPV types that cause cervical cancer through sexual intercourse and sexual contact. Most women will be exposed to HPV during their lifetime

Can I protect myself from Cervical Cancer?

Regular Pap screening beginning at age 21 can detect problems of the cervix that are related to HPV infection before cancer develops. And now vaccines can provide protection against the HPV virus types that cause 70% of cervical cancer.

If you never get exposed to HPV, you’ll be at extremely low risk for cervical cancer. But, the only sure protection from HPV is lifelong abstinence. Regular condom use can also help prevent spread of HPV infection.

Who Should Get Vaccinated against Cervical Cancer?

Guidelines are summarized below:

• Routine vaccination is recommended for all 11 and 12 year old girls.
• The vaccination series can be started for girls as early as age 9. Ideally, the vaccine should be given before first sexual contact, but females up to age 26 who are sexually active should still be vaccinated.
• Vaccination is recommended for girls and women ages 13 to 26 who have not been previously vaccinated. However, a decision about whether to vaccinate a woman aged 19 to 26 should be made based on an informed discussion between the woman and her healthcare provider regarding her risk of previous HPV exposure and potential benefit from vaccination.

Why are Cervical Cancer Vaccines recommend to young girls?

Ideally, females should get vaccinated before they become sexually active. This is because the vaccines are most effective in girls/women who have not yet been exposed to the types of HPV covered by the vaccines. Girls/women who have not been exposed or infected with these types get the full benefit of the vaccine.

Will sexually active females benefit from vaccines?

Females who are sexually active may also benefit from the vaccines. But they may get less benefit from vaccination since they may already have been exposed or infected with one or more of the HPV types covered by the vaccines.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Consider that cervical cancer most often affects women during their reproductive years. This cancer robs some women of the ability to bear children and threatens the lives of young mothers.

You may not know anyone who has had cervical cancer. But almost every adult woman knows someone who has had to see a provider more often or has been treated for Pap test abnormalities. That is because HPV infection is so common. It is a relief that a Pap test can help find early cervical changes when they are treatable.

Now, women have an important additional option for protection. Cervical cancer vaccines takes prevention a giant leap forward by blocking the first step along the pathway to cervical cancer, HPV infection. Vaccination plus regular Pap tests provide the best protection against developing cervical cancer.

Are the vaccines safe?

Yes, the studies show that the vaccines are extremely safe. There are no live viruses in the vaccines. The most common side effects are redness and soreness where the shot was given. Headaches (like when you have a cold or fever) are also common. Fever can also occur. Over-the-counter pain and fever medications will help if you have symptoms.

As with any new medication, safety issues will continue to be monitored by public health and regulatory authorities.