By Zoila Palma: The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage parents to vaccinate children against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), describing immunization as one of the most effective tools to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
According to the WHO, “Virtually all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to genital infection with HPV,” which is transmitted through sexual contact and is considered the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract.
The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the HPV vaccine between ages 11 and 12, although vaccination can begin as early as age 9.
Health officials say only two doses are needed if the first shot is administered before age 15, while those starting later between ages 15 and 26 require three doses over a six-month period.
The WHO also emphasized the importance of early vaccination, stating that “HPV vaccination is the most cost-effective public health measure against cervical cancer.”
Health experts say the vaccine protects against HPV16 and HPV18, the two main cancer-causing strains linked to cervical cancer.
The CDC noted that “HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV.”
In addition to vaccination, WHO is encouraging regular cervical cancer screening to detect and treat pre-cancerous lesions early.
Health experts say the HPV vaccine remains safe and effective, with most side effects described as mild, including soreness at the injection site, fever, headache, and dizziness.
The post International News: World Health Organization encourage early HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage parents to vaccinate children against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), describing immunization as one of the most effective tools to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. According to the WHO, “Virtually all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked
The post International News: World Health Organization encourage early HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.