HPV Vaccine: Gynaecologists Recommend HPV Vaccine for Women Over 40 to Prevent Cervical Cancer

In a significant shift in approach, gynaecologists in Hyderabad are now recommending the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to women even beyond the age of 40 to prevent cervical cancer. This change in recommendation comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) advised the vaccine for girls and women aged between 9 and 45 years. The decision is based on the fact that women are now sexually active for a longer period, leading to a higher risk of cervical cancer.

Traditionally, gynaecologists would encourage young girls in the 20-25 age bracket to take the vaccine. However, with the WHO’s new guidelines, the focus has shifted to the post-delivery period to catch up on women who have not taken the HPV vaccine. This period is seen as ideal for compliance with the three-dose regimen, as women tend to be more health-conscious during this time.

Dr. Manjula Anagani, clinical director and head of gynaecology at Care Hospitals, emphasized the importance of administering the vaccine at any age, even beyond 45 years, to provide maximum protection. “With active sexual life seen in more and more post-menopausal women, and an increase in life expectancy, I would give the vaccine at any age to allow as much protection as possible,” she said.

While the efficacy of HPV vaccines at a later age is still not confirmed, many gynaecologists believe it’s a good idea to take the chance. Dr. Nabath Bandeli, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Rainbow Hospitals, noted that the vaccine has no side effects on breastfeeding and can be administered at later ages. “Although young girls are increasingly becoming sexually active, the 20-25 years are still the best age to administer the vaccine. However, many gynaecologists are now giving the vaccine in the post-delivery period,” she said.

Cervical cancer is one of the few diseases for which a preventive vaccine is available. However, due to a lack of focus on preventive measures and delays in seeking treatment, most cases often reach advanced stages. The HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing this disease, and gynaecologists are now focusing on the catch-up period to ensure that women receive the necessary protection.

This development comes as a follow-up to recent articles highlighting the importance of vaccination programs and promoting domestic tourism in India. Sudhya Murthy, a Rajya Sabha member, has been advocating for a government-led cervical cancer vaccination program and promoting domestic tourism to combat cervical cancer.

In related news, a UK court has given a mixed ruling in the Pfizer vs Moderna COVID vaccine patents case, invalidating one of Moderna’s patents while finding another valid and infringed by Pfizer and BioNTech. The global legal battle is unfolding in various countries.

Meanwhile, experts have been discussing the effects of the pandemic on young children’s development, with factors like parental stress and increased screen time impacting their academic and social skills. As pandemic babies and toddlers enter school age, it’s essential to address these concerns to ensure their overall well-being.

In conclusion, the recommendation to administer the HPV vaccine to women over 40 is a significant step forward in preventing cervical cancer. Gynaecologists are now focusing on the post-delivery period to catch up on women who have not taken the vaccine, and the vaccine’s efficacy at a later age is still being studied. With the WHO’s guidelines in place, it’s crucial to prioritize preventive measures and ensure that women receive the necessary protection against this deadly disease.

Historical Context:

• The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was first introduced in the early 2000s as a way to prevent cervical cancer, which is caused by the HPV virus.
• Initially, the vaccine was recommended for girls and young women, typically between the ages of 11 and 12, to protect them from the virus before they became sexually active.
• Over the years, the recommendation has expanded to include boys and men, as well as women up to the age of 45, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• The WHO’s new guidelines, which recommend the vaccine for girls and women aged 9-45, are a significant shift in approach, as they acknowledge that women are now sexually active for a longer period and are at a higher risk of cervical cancer.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Gynaecologists in Hyderabad are now recommending the HPV vaccine to women over 40 to prevent cervical cancer.
• The decision is based on the fact that women are now sexually active for a longer period, leading to a higher risk of cervical cancer.
• The WHO recommends the vaccine for girls and women aged 9-45, and gynaecologists are focusing on the post-delivery period to catch up on women who have not taken the vaccine.
• The vaccine has no side effects on breastfeeding and can be administered at later ages.
• While the efficacy of HPV vaccines at a later age is still not confirmed, many gynaecologists believe it’s a good idea to take the chance.
• Cervical cancer is one of the few diseases for which a preventive vaccine is available, and gynaecologists are now focusing on the catch-up period to ensure that women receive the necessary protection.
• The recommendation to administer the HPV vaccine to women over 40 is a significant step forward in preventing cervical cancer.
• The WHO’s guidelines are crucial in prioritizing preventive measures and ensuring that women receive the necessary protection against this deadly disease.