HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, should we get it or not?

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in women and is known as the "beauty killer". However, it is also one of the tumors with the most clear etiology so far. About 99% of cervical cancers are related to high-risk human papillomavirus infection. To prevent HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, we must talk about the HPV vaccine, which has been very popular in recent years.

There are three types of vaccines currently on the market: bivalent, quadrivalent, and nine-valent vaccines. The difference between them lies in the age at which they can be vaccinated and the type of HPV they protect against.

Is the nine-valent vaccine definitely better than the two-valent or four-valent vaccine? Not necessarily. According to different studies at home and abroad, whether it is a two-valent, four-valent or nine-valent vaccine, it has a strong protective effect. And there is evidence that the earlier the HPV vaccine is administered, the better the prevention effect. Therefore, there is no need to wait for the nine-valent vaccine, or even miss the best time to get the vaccine, for the prevention of cervical cancer. The two-valent vaccine is "a timely help", the four-valent vaccine is "icing on the cake", and the nine-valent vaccine is "going to the next level". You can choose the appropriate vaccine type according to your own situation.

Are imported vaccines better than domestic vaccines? In fact, the two have comparable preventive effects. The domestically produced bivalent vaccines currently on the market are half the price of imported bivalent vaccines. They are truly good value for money.

However, it is not recommended for pregnant women and breastfeeding women to receive the cervical cancer vaccine at present. However, if you become pregnant unexpectedly within 6 months of vaccination, don't worry too much. Because the vaccine has not been found to have adverse effects on the fetus, just suspend vaccination and have regular prenatal checkups. Continue to receive the remaining doses after the breastfeeding period.

Side effects after HPV vaccination are rare, and most side effects are mild, such as redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site. A very small number of people may experience more serious side effects, such as muscle weakness and paralysis. However, like other vaccines, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Please note that no matter which HPV vaccine you take, it is not a permanent solution. Regular screening is still required. Generally speaking, women who have sex should be screened every 3-5 years. It can be combined with cervical liquid-based cytology screening to have a higher detection rate for cervical diseases.