Can I get the cervical cancer vaccine over 26 years old?
Bộ Y tế Việt Nam khuyến cáo nên thực hiện tiêm HPV trong độ tuổi 9-26
2/3/2021 11:25:45 AM
7 Vietnamese women die every day from cervical cancer. Although considered one of the leading diseases in women, cervical cancer can be prevented entirely with the HPV vaccine.
The Ministry of Health of Vietnam recommends that HPV vaccination be performed between 9 and 26, whether sexually active or not. Some countries still apply vaccination to people over 26 who have not been infected with HPV, but the effectiveness is not as high.
1. What is Cervical Cancer?
The cervix is a part of the uterus, where the vagina meets the uterus, covered with a thin layer of tissue composed of many cells. Cervical cancer is caused by the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix. The cells proliferate and create a tumor in the cervix.
2. What is the HPV vaccine?
HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus - a virus that causes human papillomavirus. Not everyone infected with HPV will develop cervical cancer, but conversely, more than 95% of cervical cancers detected are caused by the HPV virus.
The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against infection with certain strains of the HPV virus, precisely two strains of HPV 16 & 18 that cause cervical cancer.
3. At what age should one be vaccinated and screened for cervical cancer?
In women who have previously been vaccinated against HPV, cervical screening should continue because no single HPV vaccine can protect against all potentially pathogenic strains of HPV. Cancer screening chart:
- 9-26 years old: Get the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer
- 21 - 29 years old: cervical cancer screening by PAP test every 3 years
- 30-65 years old: cervical cancer screening by HPV test every 5 years or PAP test every 3 years.
- Over 65 years old: if the results of the last 10 years are good, the test should be stopped; if not good, keep checking
However, vaccination cannot completely protect you from pathogens. In particular, the cervical cancer vaccine is specifically for the two most common viruses - accounting for 95% of the causes of the disease. Therefore, even if you have been vaccinated, you still have to perform regular gynecological screening every 6 months to prevent the risk of infection early and thoroughly.
🏵 CarePlus provides a full service of HPV vaccination (Gardasil vaccine imported directly from the US MSD Manufacturer) and PAP testing service to screen for cervical cancer.
☎️Please inbox CarePlus or directly call the free hotline 18006116 for detailed advice on the vaccination schedule, vaccine price and appointment booking instructions.