Every day in Peru between 5 to 6 women die with cancer related to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), sexually transmitted and highly contagious. This virus is, in most cases, the main cause of cervical cancer; however, it also causes other types of genital cancer, such as vagina, vulva, penis or anus.
This virus -which affects 90% of the population at some point in their life- could be completely preventable through vaccination not only of women, but also of men.
Currently, in Peru, this vaccine is free for girls between 9 and 13 years old in public health centers. While in countries like Argentina, Ecuador, Chile the HPV vaccine is also given in men.
But nevertheless, During this year only 10.4% of girls between the ages of 9 and 13 have been vaccinated against HPV, so they would be at risk in the future of developing cervical cancer if they do not comply with their doses on time.
Because many parents still do not know the main reasons why they should vaccinate their children and since when to do so, Dr. Gilmar Grisson, gynecologist oncologist, provides the following information that every parent should know to protect their child against the HPV.
Who can get vaccinated?
Girls and adolescents
The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and adolescents from the age of 9 so that they are protected for years before becoming sexually active since they have not yet been exposed to this virus.
For this reason, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) applies free of charge to girls between 9 and 13 years of age, the vaccine against the Human Papilloma Virus through 2 doses, which must be completed in a period of 6 months to ensure protection against the virus that causes cervical cancer.
Parents who wish to vaccinate their daughters for free should go to the health center closest to their home to schedule their appointments. Do not forget to present the ID of the girl to be vaccinated.
Young and adult women
All women are exposed to becoming infected with the Human Papillomavirus from the start of their sexual activity. Therefore, to obtain greater protection, it is advisable to have annual preventive check-ups and also apply the HPV vaccine.
In women from 14 to 45 years of age, the vaccine is given in 3 doses, with intervals of 2 and 6 months from the first dose. This group can access the vaccine privately in clinics and in private vaccination centers.
Boys, teenagers and adult men
Boys and men can also get the HPV vaccine privately at clinics and vaccination centers.
– Children from 9 to 13 years old receive the quadrivalent vaccine that provides protection from 4 types of HPV (6, 11, 16,18), through 2 doses with an interval of 6 months between the first and second doses.
– Those over 13 to 37 years, the nonavalent vaccine is recommended, which provides protection from 9 types of HPV (6,11,16,18,31,33,45, 52,58). This vaccine is given in 3 doses with intervals 2 and 6 months from the first dose.
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