On March 4, the International Day of HPV is celebrated. In Poland, from November 1, 2021, for people over 9 years of age, a vaccine against specific types of HPV is reimbursedwhich are responsible for 75-90 percent cases of cervical cancer.
– Unfortunately, despite the regularly raising this topic in social media, the awareness of society is still low. Most patients know the name HPV and associate it is a virus, a Many women connect him with the need to perform cytology. However, they often do not know why HPV is so dangerous and that adults can also get vaccinated – the doctor of family medicine Angelika Szymańska will notice.
They went abroad to get vaccinated
For the first time, Natalia met with the name “Gardasil 9” in 2020. This is one of the two types of HPV vaccines, which are currently available in Poland as part of the Universal HPV vaccination program. But then hardly anyone heard about them. Natalia then rented a flat from a woman who, together with her daughters, went abroad to instill them and herself on HPV.
– She said that in Poland it is not possible to vaccinate Gardasil, although it is a vaccine available “immediately” in other countries. And in fact, as I checked, by 2019, 30 out of 31 countries belonging to the European Union/European Economic District, i.e. all outside Poland, led the high -union of the European Union/European Economic District. I became interested in this topic, but the cost of traveling, buying a vaccine and a private medical visit outside Poland was too high for me at the time – he recalls. He adds, If Poland did not bring these vaccines, it would certainly not be vaccinated.
“If it is possible to protect yourself from it, it’s really worth it”
Because then vaccination at HPV was beyond Natalia’s reach, she put the topic aside. Apart from that It seemed to her that in Poland vaccination at HPV is only available for children and people who have not yet had sex. It wasn’t until 2024 that she accidentally realized that she was wrong.
– I observe a girl on Instagram who recommends cosmetics without harmful substances, with the simplest and most natural composition. At one of the recordings, she said that she had just taken the last dose of HPV vaccine and emphasized that Vaccination is not reserved only for children, Although it is known that it is the most effective for people who have not yet started sex life – explains the 30 -year -old.
After talking to a friend who had already vaccinated, she decided that she should also do it. Cervical cancer appeared in women in her family. – In the meantime I had a lot of medical visits: at a family doctor, a gynecologist, an allergist. I asked them for opinions on this matter. Everyone said that in their opinion it is worth vaccinating, because the nine -faceted vaccine protects against oncogenic types of virus and those less dangerous – says.
As he points out, after making a vaccination decision, you have to take into account the costs. In the case of a nine -faceted vaccine – Gardasil 9 – The cost of one dose is PLN 500-550 depending on the pharmacy. She managed to find cheaper – for PLN 490. You have to take three doses. I asked her to describe step by step what this process looked like.
– To buy a vaccine, you have to go to a family doctor who issues a prescription. Then you have to make an appointment to a doctor who assesses his health – measures the pressure, listens, etc. If you are qualified for vaccination, the nurse gives the previously bought vaccine. After serving the vaccine, as in the case of other preparations, it is worth waiting in the clinic for about 15 minutes to make sure that there will be no allergic reaction – he says.
After taking the vaccine, nothing disturbing happened. She felt good and could go home. – After the first dose of the next day I was in the gym and I had no problems performing any exercises. Yesterday I was vaccinated with the second dose and I am fine. The second dose can be vaccinated 4 weeks after administration and dose, and I will take the third dose in three months of administration of the second dose – he explains.
At the end of our conversation, she adds that she has not met a doctor who would say that at her age it is not worth doing. – I know that PLN 1,500 is a big cost, but it is not as much money as it seems when you actually get sick. If it is possible to protect yourself from it, it is really worth it – emphasizes.
90 percent sexually active men and 80 percent women infect HPV
Family medicine doctor Angelika Szymańska points out that as much as 90 percent. sexually active men and 80 percent Women will be infected with HPV during their lives. – However, it is worth remembering that not every infection leads to cancer development. Despite this, the problem concerns us all because The virus transfers not only during sexual intercourse, but also through contact with the skin of intimate areas – he explains. He adds that the condom does not provide full protection against infection. It reduces the risk, but does not eliminate it.
Although he tries to raise the topic of vaccinations in his office, it is different with reactions. – Some patients are interested in the topic, but unfortunately only a small percentage actually decides to vaccinate. Much more often they ask for a prescription for a vaccine against influenza, diphtheria, tetanus or chickeni. HPV still rarely appears in these conversations – he says.
Besides, still often There are patients who have never heard of HPV before, did not know what this virus is and that you can get vaccinated at it. He mentions that once one of the patients after hearing about the availability of vaccination said it was a conspiracy.
– She said that we really want to infect everyone with a virus. It’s absolutely impossible! HPV vaccines do not contain a virus capable of multiplying and infecting. They consist only of antigens in the form of non -infectious virus -like particles. They look like the HPV virus, but they are only empty protein shells that teach the immune system, how to effectively defend against a real threat – he explains, then adds: It is natural that we approach new things from a distance, but it’s worth remembering that HPV vaccines have been used since 2006, and long -term studies confirm their safety and effectiveness – calls.
I ask what she would tell people who have not yet decided to vaccinate. – I think the numbers speak for themselves. Since HPV was detected in 99.7 percent women with cervical cancer, and as much as 80 percent Women will be infected with this virus during her life, there is really nothing to wait for. This vaccine really protects against cancer – says the doctor.
– How many times are we looking for ways to reduce the risk of cancer? We watch “5 ways to protect against cancer” because we are just afraid and we want to take care of our health. And that’s great! A balanced diet, physical activity and daily choices help us not only reduce the risk of cancer, but also take care of general health. Vaccination is another protective shield that we can use – for ourselves and our children – he adds.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
