When Should the HPV Immunization Be Given? Here’s the Expert Answer…

KOMPAS.com – Giving an antidote to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine or HPV immunization is one of the protection to prevent cervical cancer in women.

According to the Ministry of Health, cervical cancer is the second highest cause of death in Indonesia.

Factors that cause cervical cancer vary from heredity, environment and unhealthy lifestyle, to HPV infection.

To minimize the risk of this scourge of women’s health in Indonesia, see the explanation When should the HPV immunization be given? following.

Also read: Recognize What is HPV Infection, Causes of Cervical Cancer and Genital Warts

Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology (POGI) Prof. Dr. dr. Yudi Mulyana Hidayat, SpOG Subsp.Onk explained, HPV immunization should be given to women aged 9 years and over, or during the golden age a person has not been exposed to HPV.

“The golden period for preventing cervical cancer with the HPV vaccine is the age of children,” explained Yudi, as quoted from BetweenTuesday (31/1/2023).

Regarding the administration of the HPV vaccine which is more recommended for women who are not actively having sex or are not married, Yudi said that HPV immunization for adults can still be given the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.

“After getting married, having had sex, you can still get vaccinated. Even until the age of 50’s it’s okay. But to be sure that there is nothing in the cervix, an examination is carried out pap smear,he explained.

Also read: 8 Causes of Cervical Cancer, from HPV Infection to Too Early Pregnancy

According to Yudi, it is enough to give two doses of HPV immunization for children aged 9-13 years. Meanwhile, for ages 13 and over, three doses must be given.

The distance between the HPV immunizations is given at intervals of one month after the first dose, then six months after the second dose.

Yudi argues, the effectiveness of HPV immunization is not determined whether it is sexually active or not, but rather the antibody factor in the body.

“Even if you are married, you are sexually active, HPV immunization is also important. Effectiveness is not determined by whether or not you are (sexually active), but by age. Antibodies play a role,” said Yudi.

After listening to an explanation of when the HPV immunization should be given as well Until what age can the HPV immunization from the experts above, women who want to protect themselves from cervical cancer should not hesitate to get the HPV vaccine, especially for those of you who are at risk of getting this disease.

Also read: 4 Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer, Not Just Injections of the HPV Vaccine

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