Most of the emphasis for HPV vaccination has so far been on women and the NHS has decided to provide one type of vaccine (despite a choice) to only one age group of women. This is probably a good starting point, but there are significant shortfalls to this approach. For example, one vaccine protects against more strains of HPV than the other. Also, leading gynaecologists including Professor John Studd and Miss Adeola Olaitan have previously stated the need for boys and men to be vaccinated too. In an era of patient choice, we need to be aware of the facts and available options.
In her article on HPV Vaccination, Miss Adeola Olaitan provides the essential facts we should all be aware of, and here is a summary of the key points:
- There are different strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer
- There are currently two different types of vaccine
- The different vaccines offer different levels of protection against the strains
- Only one vaccine is currently provided by the NHS
- Only certain groups are being offered the vaccine
- The vaccine may not protect women who already have an HPV infection, but it will prevent subsequent infection from other strains (depending on the type of vaccine you have)
- Effects of vaccination will take some time to show
- Vaccination will prevent at least 7 out of 10 cancers
- Women should continue to request cervical screening after vaccination
- Vaccination provision is safe in the right hands
Click the link for further information on HPV vaccination options.
Update Nov 20th.
Cervical cancer jab information from the NHS
