When And Why Say NO to HPV Vaccine

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Human Papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is a type of viral infection that spreads through skin-to-skin or sexual contacts like, vaginal, anal and oral sex with a partner who is already infected with HPV. HPV is actually a group of more than a hundred different types of viruses, with at least 30 strains, which are known to cause different types of cancer. Currently no cure for HPV has been confirmed.

If infected with HPV, symptoms may sometimes take weeks, months, and even years to start showing. There is a also a possibility that symptoms may never appear. HPV finally shows in the form of cauliflower like warts appearing around or in the genitals called genital warts. These warts can be flat. They may be found on both, the inside and the outside of woman’s vagina.

This cauliflower like growth may take weeks or even years to show up after having indulged in sex with someone who was already infected with the virus. And to find out if the person you are likely to get sexually involved with is infected with HPV beforehand is not easy. To prevent oneself from this infection, the only sure shot solution seems to be keep away from sexual contact. Since using condom is not a 100% solution either. HPV is sexually transmitted virus, which can result into cervical cancer or genital warts. Not only that in certain cases it can also be linked to other types of cancer.

In June 2006, a vaccine that prevents the spread of the human papillomavirus or HPV called Gardasil was given FDA approval. The main targeted age group for the vaccine is ages 11 to 12 till the age 26.

Coming to the target group that should not be given the vaccination include;
People are suffering from a moderate to severe acute illness, like diarrhea or the flu. The doctor may in all probability suggest that you to wait until you completely recover before taking the HPV vaccine. Even for other vaccines doctors first suggest you to get rid of any illness or infection.

You should not go for vaccination if you are temporarily on an immunosuppressive drug like steroids or are undergoing things like asthma treatment etc. It is better to wait until the course or the therapy you are undergoing is complete.

If you have an allergy or hypersensitivity to yeast or other ingredient present in the vaccine, you should not take HPV vaccination.

You should also avoid HPV Vaccination if you are pregnant. There may not be any evidence to show that HPV vaccination during pregnancy has any effects of the vaccine on the fetus but still whatever the partially true reports and researches are available in the medical journals, it’s best to play safe and not take chances until the baby is born. After delivering the baby also one should seek doctor’s advice and suggestion before getting vaccination. May be doctor will advice you to wait until you are breastfeeding the baby. There may be a reason that your doctor knows best.