Independent Cervical Cancer Vaccine beyond Elementary School Age, Know the Dosage and Conditions

KOMPAS.com – Some time recently, cervical cancer vaccine or vaccine HPV (human papilloma virus) has been widely discussed by the public.

Many of these issues are related to the government’s decision to require the provision of cervical cancer vaccines at no cost.

I have HPV provided free of charge to girls in grades 5 and 6 of elementary school (SD/MI/equivalent) through their respective schools.

Meanwhile, for other age groups, cervical cancer vaccine is not free or can be obtained independently through hospitals or clinics that provide HPV vaccines.

Read also: Get to know the HPV Vaccine to Prevent Cervical Cancer, How it Works and Its Side Effects

What age can you get the cervical cancer vaccine?

Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at Pondok Indah Hospital – Puri Indah dr. Thomas Chayadi, Sp.OG explained, the HPV vaccine can still be given until someone is 55 years old, generally given at the age of 9-13 years.

There are different doses for each age group. If given at the age of 9-13 years it only requires 2 doses, but if given at the age of 13-55 years it requires 3 doses.

“If you are 55 years and over, no vaccination is carried out, considering the body’s response to forming antibodies is not good,” said Thomas when contacted by Kompas.com, Saturday (4/24/2022).

He emphasized that in order for the vaccine to be more effective and provide maximum protection, try to give the cervical cancer vaccine before sexual contact.

Read also: Will Become a Mandatory Vaccine, Know the Dosage and Effectiveness of the HPV Vaccine to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Examination before getting cervical cancer vaccine

Cervical cancer vaccine given outside of school age and if the person concerned has never had sexual intercourse, then there is no need to carry out certain examinations, in other words, it can be given directly.

However, if the vaccine recipient has had sexual intercourse, is married, or has given birth, it is advisable to have a pap smear before receiving the HPV vaccine.

“If you have ever had sexual intercourse or are married or have given birth, then before giving the HPV vaccine, you should do a Pap smear first,” said Thomas.

In terms of costs, each clinic or hospital provides varying prices. So, to find out the price of each injection of cervical cancer vaccine, you can go to the destination hospital or clinic first.

As additional information, so far the HPV vaccine does not cause harmful side effects or is considered safe. In general, side effects that often appear include swelling or redness at the injection site, nausea, headache, and fatigue.

Read also: What is Cervical Cancer and its Symptoms

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