National trends have shown a decline in Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reports a new study.
Pap smear and Cervical Cancer Screening
Pap smear is the most common test used in screening cervical cancer caused by an infection with human papilloma virus. Pap smear should be repeated every 1 to 3 years till the age of 65 years.
Pap smear is the most common test used in screening cervical cancer caused by an infection with human papilloma virus. Pap smear should be repeated every 1 to 3 years till the age of 65 years.
‘HPV vaccination has been proven to be 99 percent effective in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, cervical pre-cancers, and genital warts.’
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has proven effective in preventing infections and six types of HPV-attributable cancers. In recent months, national trends have shown a decline in HPV vaccination rates due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. This week recognizes the second annual California HPV Vaccine Week. The goals are to bring awareness of the vaccine and increase rates in the state to 80 percent by 2026.
“In March, we saw a significant amount of patients utilizing telemedicine and not coming into the clinic for wellness examinations due to COVID-19. In the last few months, there has been a rise in in-person visits. Particularly as ‘back to school’ nears, we’re starting to see more adolescents coming into the clinic and receiving the HPV vaccine,” said Lisa Coles, MD, primary care physician at UC San Diego Health. “This is critical because the vaccination has been proven to be 99 percent effective in the prevention of HPV infection, cervical pre-cancers, and genital warts.”
HPV Screening Test Might Just be Enough for Cervical Cancer Detection
HPV screening test might be a better cervical cancer detection tool than Pap smear test, and thereby the HPV test alone might be sufficient.
HPV screening test might be a better cervical cancer detection tool than Pap smear test, and thereby the HPV test alone might be sufficient.
- The vaccine was released in 2006 and updated in 2014 to include five additional strains
- The HPV vaccine is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for boys and girls ages 9 to 12
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends vaccinations for those unvaccinated or with incomplete vaccinations through age 26
- It is a two-dose series if started before age 15. Otherwise, three doses are required
- Common vaccine reactions include temporary pain, swelling or itching at the injection site, headache, nausea, dizziness, and fever
- According to the National Immunization Survey, approximately 51 percent of teens are vaccinated with at least 65 percent receiving at least one dose
- Rates of CIN2-3 (cervical pre-cancer) fell from 52.7 to 44.1 percent between 2008 to 2014
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Cervical Screening Will Only be Needed Three Times With HPV Vaccine
Now with the HPV vaccine, screening will only be needed three times in women. The new programme called HPV primary testing is set to be introduced in England by December 2019.
Now with the HPV vaccine, screening will only be needed three times in women. The new programme called HPV primary testing is set to be introduced in England by December 2019.
New HPV Vaccine Reduces The Risk Of HPV-Related Diseases
A new improved Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine called 9vHPV has been developed greatly reduces the risk of HPV infection and HPV-related diseases.
A new improved Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine called 9vHPV has been developed greatly reduces the risk of HPV infection and HPV-related diseases.
