The central government is starting a vaccination campaign to protect against human papilloma virus across the country from February 28. Under this, about 1.25 crore girls of 14 years of age across the country will get free HPV vaccine. This vaccine will be administered at all government health centres. In this, girls will receive one dose of Gardasil-4 vaccine. However, people have many questions and confusions regarding the vaccine. Doctors say that due to wrong information, people are hesitant in getting the vaccine, whereas this vaccine can reduce the risk of cervical cancer to a great extent. What are the common myths regarding the vaccine and their answers will be known from experts. Before that let us find out what HPV vaccine is.
HPV Vaccine Human Papilloma Virus Protects from. This virus causes cervical cancer. Cancer can be prevented by taking this vaccine. If girls take this vaccine at the right time (before marriage), then the risk of getting cancer is significantly reduced. HPV vaccine is considered especially important for those people who may be at higher risk of HPV infection. This vaccine is beneficial for girls as well as boys.
Three common myths about vaccine
Myth: The HPV vaccine has serious side effects
Dr. Ajit Kumar, in the Department of Medicine at GTB Hospital, Delhi, says that the vaccine has no serious side effects. After vaccination, mild fever may be felt, along with this there may be mild pain at the injection site. This pain also gets cured in a few hours. In such a situation, eligible people should not face any problem in getting vaccinated.
Myth: Vaccines cause infertility
According to Dr. Kumar, it is a very misconception that the vaccine causes infertility. Any vaccine is made only after complete research. In many studies conducted so far, no evidence has been found that the HPV vaccine affects fertility. In such a situation, one should not harbor the misconception of infertility regarding the vaccine.
Myth 3: If you get vaccinated, there is no need for screening
Dr Nupur Gupta, a gynecologist in Delhi, says that if you have been vaccinated, it does not mean that you will never get yourself checked for cervical cancer. The vaccine is very helpful in protecting against the virus and very good results have also been seen, but still you should get Pap Smear test done after the age of 30 years. There are no disadvantages to it.