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5 Things You Should Know About HPV Vaccination

5 Things You Should Know About HPV Vaccination
HPV vaccination is the best gift you can give to yourself.


CERVICAL cancer is one of the deadliest cancers among women in the Philippines. In the official website of the Department of Health, says that an estimated 7,277 new cases occur annually and about 3,807 of these end up in death. 




Causes of cervical cancer
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with some high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV); this is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer. The other main risk factor for cervical cancer is smoking.

There is some evidence that women who have taken the contraceptive pill for five years or more are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer. The risk is small and taking the pill has also been shown to reduce to risk of other cancers such as ovarian and uterine.

Other risk factors include:
• a weakened immune system
• exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), an artificial form of the female hormone estrogen

Around eight out of 10 women will become infected with genital HPV at some time in their lives. Most women who have HPV infection never get cervical cancer, only a few types of HPV result in cervical cancer.




5 Things You Should Know About HPV Vaccination

Only a few people know that even if cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women in the country, this is preventable through the HPV vaccine. Below are five things you need to know about the HPV Vaccine:

1. HPV Vaccine can be given to girls as young as 9 years old
The Department of Health (DOH) had been guaranteeing the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine and had since been giving it to elementary students for free. As women of all ages are advised to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine, it is the most effective among young children who have yet to have sexual activities. In Davao City, the City Health Office had been giving the free HPV vaccine to elementary female students from 9-13 years of age.


2. There are two types of HPV vaccine: Cervarix and Gardasil
Cervarix are vaccines given to prevent cervical cancer HPV types 16 and 18. They are given for three doses at 0, 1, and 6th month. On the other hand, Gardasil had been noted to prevent genital warts, vaginal vulvar, and cervical cancer HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. They are also given in three doses at 0,2, and the 6th month. A patient can choose whether to avail of the Cervarix or the Gardasil vaccine as they also vary in prices per shot. As males can also have an HPV infection, Gardasil is also given to males.

I had my two shots of Gardasil when I was in Manila, and last February 2020 I had my 3rd shot of Gardasil here in Australia. Although the Gardasil in Australia covers up to nine (9) types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 6,11,16,18,31,33,45,52 and 58 it is the best option to protect myself to other types of virus.





3. Vaccines are readily available in your OB-Gyne's clinic
Whether or not a woman already had her sexual encounter, the DOH encourages everyone to have their HPV vaccine already to decrease the risk of having cervical cancer later in their life. They are lucky if their local health offices offer free HPV vaccines. Otherwise, vaccines can also be taken from a trusted gynecologist's clinic or in authorized pharmacies. Price ranges from P2,000 to P4,000 per shot.

For my first 2 shots, I’ve acquired them at St. Luke’s Medical Center which cost roughly Php4000 per shot (including the doctor’s fee).


4. Effect of HPV vaccines lasts a lifetime
Even if they may be a little pricey, the effect of the vaccine, once the three shots had been taken, is a lifetime. The DOH and other private health sectors continue to encourage women and young girls to be vaccinated and be safe from the future effects and risks of HPV infection and cervical cancer. They also encourage those who had taken their first shot to strictly follow and take their second and third shots as well.


5. It is one of the best health investments you can give for yourself and for your kids.
Majority of the Filipinos are not keen to invest in their health due to affordability. Currently, the Department of Health in the Philippines offers free HPV vaccination for children and adults. Contact your nearest health centers for their availability and make sure to book the appointment right away. 



If you haven’t got an HPV vaccine when you were young, seek the advice of the ob-gynecologist and have the PAP smear test in order to determine if you are infected by HPV. If your result is negative, immediately book an appointment for your HPV vaccination. Remember, HPV doesn’t have a cure but only an HPV vaccination could prevent you from future virus-causing illnesses.




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83 comments :

  1. This is really very informative especially for the female gender. Health is wealth, so investing in your health is the best thing that can ever happen to you.

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    1. That is true! The cost of HPV vaccination is only a small fraction of what someone will spend IF diagnosed with cancer.

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  2. I got the vaccine years ago and I'm glad I did! Thanks for this information

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    1. Wonderful! You feel confident that you got this vaccination, right? It is worth it!

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  3. Great read, this one is really informative, a great cure and preventive measure from viruses which causes illness to a person.

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    1. That is true! It is best for prevention, wala naman mawawala :)

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  4. Great post, everyone should be aware of the hpv vaccination

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    1. Thank you for appreciating our blog, and this story :)

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  5. The vaccine is a great way of preventing the the disease. Indeed prevention is better than cure. This article is very useful especially to women.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  6. I have waited a while to get the vaccine for my daughter. I know she is going to have to get it soon.

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  7. I was so hesitant to give my first daughter the HPV. After learning about it, I cannot agree more with your post.

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    1. HPV Vaccination might be one of the best gift a parent should give to their kids.

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  8. hi
    such a useful and knowledgeable article. i am sure this article is what most of us need to promote once in a while to let our readers know about these critical issues

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  9. I've never heard about HPV Vaccine but it sounds this is best vaccine to prevent the cervical cancer. Thanks for sharing this information for the awareness

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    1. I wonder why our Philippine government health authority doesn't campaign strongly in having our people got HPV vaccination. This vaccine could save more lives than we could imagine!

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  10. This is really a must for women. We should be open minded about this disease and how we can possibly prevent this as long as we can. Not everyone is aware that the vaccines are available from certain clinics, this post really is so timely.

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  11. Thank you for advocating about HPV vaccine. It is a good medical breakthrough since the vaccine is made commercially available. I was telling to my relatives about this. I remember one of my patients during my nursing practice who was diagnosed with Cervical CA, and she agreed to be our subject for extensive case study.

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    1. Yes, and I am thankful that I learned this recently. And though I am quite late to have it (my mother thinks she haven't let me get this before), I am grateful now that I have it and now I am protected. All parents must be open-minded to give what is best for their children. And cancer is not part of it.

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  12. These are topics that are not being discussed at home, sadly. Thankfully I am reading this. I really wanted to have that vaccine too even though I haven't been taking pills or smoking. Nonetheless, it is still good to be sure!

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    1. I agree. Maybe they think of the cost. But what many don't understand is being sick and ill is more costly, than having a vaccine. Contact your health department for HPV vaccination program!

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  13. i am glad that you brought this topic, it is such a significant health issue.

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  14. thanks so much for sharing this info, I have learnt so much more about HPV after reading
    cheers, siennylovesdrawing

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    1. Hope you will get your HPV vaccination. It is not yet too late to have it.

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  15. Reading all those benefits of this vaccine, encouraged me to give this to myself as well. Once this pandemic is over and i can go home to Philippines, I will look for an HVP vaccination.

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    1. yes! Contact St. Luke's hospital in BGC. That's where I got my first HPV vaccination. When health is at stake, don't think about the cost coz money is easy to get.

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  16. Great info on HPV vaccines! On a side note I love your dress!

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  17. I was amazed by the information here. I did not realize the vaccine can be give to girls as early as age 9. I honestly could not remember if I had the vax previously. I should be talking to my OB about this soon. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I got my second HPV vaccination here in Australia, and I learned more about this more thoroughly. My boyfriend explained to me that HPV vaccination is a mandatory vaccination to all Australian kids especially for girls, and it is part of their health program.

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  18. Every woman should certainly look into this. However, an open talk with your doctor is, obviously, indispensable.

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    1. I agree, a doctor's consultation is also needed especially is you have other health issues or allergies. But who's doctor will not recommend a HPV vaccination????

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  19. Thank you for raising awareness around this topic! I am not sure if I have received this vaccination, actually! I know it was still quite new when I was young.

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  20. great job promoting good and responsible health for the women of the Philippines! cervical cancer is no joke for sure but the worst part is that it could be preventable with an HPV vaccination!

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    1. I agree! This simple vaccination is a genius that saves many lives.

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  21. Thanks for the information about the HPV vaccine. I got it when I was 12, when it first came out. There has been a lot of misinformation about the vaccine, sadly.

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  22. Great tips. I have not heard about HPV vaccisnation but I guess I'll read more about it .

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    1. Thanks for visiting! And hope this post starts a HPV conversation.

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  23. My wife already had her shots and truly is a good health investment ��

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  24. Prevention is better than cure and HPV is incurable & can cause cancer. Unfortunately, HPV may not be detected UNTIL they cause health problems (some when you reach stage 4). Thank you for the informative post!

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    1. Well, I would not wait until I got it so best to have an HPV vaccination for prevention.

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  25. I agree, having vaccination shots are a good health investment. I normally do annual checkups but I'm yet to have this vaccine done. Thanks for this informative post!

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  26. I'm almost on my 30s, I just wanna ask if it's the right time to have this vaccine. May mga pre-required vaccines ba before getting this? I've always wanted to invest on my health, like getting shots of appropriate vaccines. I just don't know how and where to start and this post has got me thinking about it again.

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    1. Gurl, I'm 34 and I got a HPV vaccination! It is never too late!

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  27. I hope my health insurance covers this vaccine... as they can cost up! But thanks for this post, i am reminded how important it is to have it done. ����

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    1. Check your health insurance. Or if you are employed, you can request your HR to get this for you, and ask for salary deduction.

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  28. I super agree. Prevention is better than cure. The mommies out there should have their kids vaccinated to remove any possibilities of incuring this disease. Vaccines are life savers!

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    1. That is true! We don't want to reach the point of regrets.

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  29. OMG natakot ako, gumagamit kase ako contraceptive pills. Thank you for this article naconvince ako to have my vaccine. Why didn't I think of this, my mother in law is an OB-GYN

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    1. Contraceptive pills are protection for pregnancy. It doesn't have relation to HPV. Ask your OB_GYN coz this HPV vaccination might save your life in the future.

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  30. Nakapagpa-HPV vaccine na ko medyo pricey nga siya pero buti na lang pumayag yung company namin na salary deduction at installment pa kaya di masyado mabigat. Nagkaroon kasi ng talks about cervical cancer, kaya di na ko nagdalawang isip na magpavaccine.

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    1. That is awesome! Yes, it is pricey but totally worth-it.

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  31. That white dress looks really nice on you. and about this vaccination it is really important to pay attention in our health and why vaccine is important, specially for women.

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  32. dear, this post is very important for all women to know. I need this info as I am now at this age when i will be prone to all kinds of ailment if i don't take care of myself. come to think of it, i don't know if i had hpv vaccine, probably not since i can't even remember.

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    1. I don't remember if I got it when I was a kid, so my doctor said to best have a shot. Okay lang naman kung ma doble.

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  33. thank you for reminding me. ill take note of having my papsmear soo, pati nga yung cervical vaccine medyo napabayaan ko. now is the best time to take care of myself.

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  34. Wow, I had no clue how useful this vaccine could be. I will set up some time with my doctor to discuss this. Thanks for the insights.

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    1. Yes, best to ask your doctor. Sometimes kung hindi mo itanong, hindi nila i-offer.

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  35. No matter what our age is, this kind of awareness is very useful because as you said, it will affect our health in the longer term. Expensive it may be, but it's that kind of investment I'd rather not think of twice.

    Do you know what will happen if you took only one shot out of three? Is it safe for those with PCOS like me?

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    1. I am not sure about your PCOS, best to consult your OB-Gyne. And best recommended to finish all the 3 shots to serve its purpose.

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  36. lampas na ata ako sa age limit ng HPV vaccine, but yeah, i recommend it for the younger women.

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    1. How old are you? I'm 34 and my doctor said I still need it!

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  37. Great info on HPV vaccines! I didn't know DOH offers free HPV vaccination pala for children and adults. Prevention is better than cure so I might get an HPV vaccination as early as now.

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    1. Yes, better contact the nearest DOH center. Tag your girl friends who haven't got this vaccination.

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  38. This is a great information for everyone, because, as we all know it, prevention is better than cure. We always have to be safe especially during these trying times.

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  39. Thank you for highlighting the importance of vaccination! Cervical cancer is one of the rare cancers that can be prevented by vaccine, i hope more women can take advantage of it

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  40. yes, this vaccine is one of those that really worth investing in. But there's an age limit so dapat talaga habang bata bata pa, magpa vaccine na

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    1. That's true! Have you and your kids got HPV vaccine?

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  41. I am too old to receive this vaccine but both of my kids have gotten it. Thank you for raising awareness!

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  42. Thank you for sharing this . Very informative and very helpful article ❤️

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