Hyderabad: Gynaecologists are now recommending HPV vaccine to women even beyond forties to prevent cervical cancer. Reason: Women are now sexually active for a greater number of years compared to earlier times leading to more cases of cervical cancer. Previously gynaecologists would encourage young girls in the 20-25 bracket to take the vaccine. This has changed after the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the vaccine for girls and women aged between 9 and 45 years. Now the mantra is to catch them whenever possible and many are now focusing on the post delivery period to catch up on the women who have not taken the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccine is taken for preventing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is among the few diseases for which a preventive vaccine is available. However, because of the lack of focus on preventive measures and delay in seeking treatment especially for cervical cancers, most cases land up in advanced stages. “This is the reason that gynaecologists are now focus on the catch-up period. One such period is the post delivery period when we are giving the HPV. There are more chances of compliance of the three doses as women in general are more careful of their health in this period. Moreover, with active sexual life seen in more and more post-menopausal women in addition to an increase in life expectancy, I would give the vaccine at any age, beyond the 45 years (recommended by the World Health Organization), to allow as much protection as possible,” said Dr Manjula Anagani, clinical director and head of gynaecology at Care Hospitals. While the efficacy of HPV vaccines at the later age is still not confirmed, taking the chance seems like a good idea to many gynaecologists. “Although young girls are now increasingly becoming sexually active, the 20-25 years is still the best age to administer the vaccine. However, many gynaecologists are now giving the vaccine in the post delivery period as the vaccine has no side effect on breastfeeding and at later ages too,” said Dr Nabath Bandeli, obstetrician and gynaecologist, Rainbow Hospitals.
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