What is the Price of HPV vaccine in Nigeria? How much is HPV vaccine in Nigeria?
The CERVIX is a cylindrical tissue that connects the Uterus (womb) and the Vagina, so it is often referred to as the NECK of the Uterus.
The cervix is an incredible part of the female anatomy. It keeps bacteria out of your uterus, produces discharge to clean your vagina, and changes its positioning to help facilitate or protect a pregnancy.
Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer death for women, however thanks to cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination, it is the most preventable of all female cancers.
Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 & 44 with the average age at diagnosis being 50. It rarely develops in women younger than 20.
Although risk is increased when one has multiple sexual partners, it can also occur with just one infected partner as long as you are sexually active.
If you are in a polygamous setting, it is advisable everyone is screened, including your co-wives, because getting screened alone is winning half of the battle! If you don’t have a relationship with your co-wife (wives), inform your husband.
For little humans, the best way to protect them is to ensure they get vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus, which is the main cause of Cervical Cancer (HPV vaccine).
Screening Tests
Two tests help prevent cervical cancer or find it early
The PAP TEST (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
The HPV TEST (human papillomavirus) looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.
When should you get sereened?
1. You should get your first Pap test at age 21YRS – If your test result is normal you can wait three years for your next test.
2. If you’re 30 YEARS or OLDER, you have 3 options-
You can continue getting a PAP TEST ONLY – If your test result is normal, you can wait three years for your next test.
You can get HPV TEST ONLY-If your test result is normal, you can wait five years for your next test.
You can get both HPV & PAP TEST together – If your test results are normal you can wait five years for your next tests.
Vaccination schedule
HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women.
Presently, HPV Vaccines are only available in private health facilities in Nigeria. Efforts are however being made to include the HPV vaccine as part of National routine immunization.
You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.
HPV VACCINE
– CDC recommends routine vaccination
of preteens at ages 11 or 12. The vaccination series can be started at age 9 years.
-HPV vaccines are administered as a two-dose series (0, 6-12 months) for most persons who initiate vaccination at ages 9 through 14 years, and a three dose series (0, 1-2,6 months) for persons who initiate at ages 15 through 45 years, and for immunocompromised persons.
– HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctoor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination.
The commonest HPV vaccines are CERVARIX & GARDASIL protect against HPV strains 18 and 16.
It is important to note that HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections, but does not treat
existing infections or diseases.
This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV.
Price of HIV vaccine in Nigeria
The commonest HPV vaccines are CERVARIX & GARDASIL. In Nigeria cervarix cost about #25,000 Naira while gardasil price is about #35,000 Naira.
Credit: Dr Mims
