ABERIN, Ericka Jordan V.

BSN 3

Protecting Children from HPV: Challenges and Opportunities

Summary: We all know that Cervical Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women globally. And HPV or Human Papilloma Virus is said to be associated with different types of cancer, including cervical cancer. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection today. In 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that HPV vaccines be included in national immunization programs and that cervical cancer prevention and control be prioritized. In 2006, this vaccine was recommended for girls ages 11 to 12 years old, teens, and young adults who had not received it yet. After 3 years it was also recommended for boys. The rationale for the early vaccination is that it is seen that there is better immune response if it will be given at the said ages compared to older ages. And it is also most effective when it is given before exposure to the virus. According to Schuchat (2011) it is recommended for boys because anal cancers have increased in the past few decades and that vaccinating boys will reduce the spread of disease from men to women. Another factor for the increasing number of anal cancer cases is the low uptake of the vaccine among girls. And according to Dr. Noel Brewer the reason for the low uptake is because of problems with policy, clinical encounters, and parents decisions. The article also mentioned some ways to improve the uptake of the vaccine. For the young adults it is very important that doctors will recommend them to be vaccinated. Because in a recent study it is found out that those women who were recommended to have the vaccination, 85% of them received the vaccine, but as for those who were not recommended, only 5% received it. As for younger children, one of the factors is their mother. It is very important to educate them. As for the adolescents, promoting communication between the parents and adolescents is also a part of HPV education intervention. It is also recommended that school nurses promote HPV vaccination. Another recommendation would be the use of incentives. In England, this strategy was used and the uptake of the vaccine increased.

ABERIN, Ericka Jordan V. BSN 3

Learning and Application: As I was reading this article I found out that Cervical Cancer prevention is very important. And one way to prevent it is through vaccination. Because receiving the vaccine alone can reduce the mortality of cervical cancer. And if it is coupled with screening tests the risk for cervical cancer can be reduced. Before I read this article my thought was that the vaccine is for females only. But after reading the article I found out that it is also recommended for boys. As it can help to reduce the spread of disease from men to women. I also learned that the younger the vaccination was given the higher or the better the immune response will be. That is why it is very important to give this vaccine at a very young age or at the age of 11 or 12. I also learned that as part of the health care team we are also included in promoting the vaccination among men and women. I can use the learning that I had as I read this article in my profession in such a way that I will share my knowledge to those who are at the same age as mine regarding cervical cancer and how they can prevent it. I can also advocate that not only girls but boys as well be vaccinated to prevent HPV.