The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine is currently one of the key interventions in the fight against cervical cancer. Today, cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally and the second most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria. This high burden of the disease has made HPV vaccination crucial for women and girls. Interestingly, last year, Nigeria began a staggered roll-out of the vaccine for free for girls aged 9-14. However, a number of concerns – mostly rooted in unfounded myths – have affected its uptake and general perception. In this post, we debunk some of the common myths about the HPV vaccine.
Myth 1: The vaccine is not safe
Many sources, both online and otherwise, masquerading as health and wellness information providers have claimed that the vaccine is unsafe. The fact, however, remains that the vaccine is safe and does not cause any major health problem. It is interesting to know that researchers studied this vaccine for over 10 years before its release for human use. It is therefore believed to be one of the safest vaccines in the history of vaccines.
Admittedly, it may result in some side effects, much like any medication or vaccine. The most typical ones include redness or soreness in the arm where the injection was administered. A low-grade fever, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and joint or muscular discomfort are other common side effects that are usually transient. In extremely rare cases, an adverse response may happen. Thus, people who are allergic to any of the ingredients are usually advised not to receive the vaccine.
Myth 2: The vaccine causes infertility
There is no scientific evidence or clinical trial to support the claims that the HPV vaccine causes infertility. A study conducted in the United States involving more than 200,000 women discovered no link between the HPV immunization and Infertility. In fact, by preventing some gynecological issues linked to the treatment of cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine can actually help protect against infertility.
Myth 3: The vaccine is not as effective as claimed
This is simply untrue. The HPV vaccine has been found to provide as high as 98% protection against cervical cancer, as well as other precancerous conditions or those infections that can induce cervical cancer. The vaccine has also been found to be effective in the protection against conditions such as genital warts and anal cancer, as these are also caused by certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Myth 4: The vaccine encourages promiscuity among young girls
This misconception that the HPV vaccine encourages sexual promiscuity in adolescent girls is one that can make many parents disapprove of the vaccination for their daughters. But here is what we know concerning this notion:
- There is no evidence that links the HPV vaccine with higher sexual activity. In fact, a study reviewing studies of over 500,000 individuals revealed that there was no increase in sexual activity after HPV vaccination.
- Vaccinated participants tend to engage in safer sexual practices than unvaccinated participants.
- Also, adolescents who get the vaccine do not have more partners after they become sexually active.
Myth 5: The vaccine is only for women
While most HPV vaccination efforts are geared towards eliminating cervical cancer, which only affects women, the virus also infects men, causing conditions such as genital warts, oropharyngeal, anal and penile cancers. Thus, both men and women would find the vaccine useful. This especially holds true when one considers the fact that the human Papillomavirus is easily transmitted sexually.
So here is your call to ignore the myths, stay open-minded and embrace the HPV vaccine for a world free of cervical cancer. And whenever you are in doubt, ensure to speak with your qualified healthcare professional.
Related reading: 4 Ways To Prevent Cervical Cancer
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