The central government introduced the first cervical cancer vaccine in India. The scientific development of Cervavac, India’s first locally produced quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer, was completed on Thursday, September 1st, according to Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh. Medical professionals believe administering a vaccine is a smart strategy to prevent cervical cancer. The first ‘Made in India’ cervical cancer vaccine in India is offing.
In developing nations like India, cervical cancer ranks among the major causes of cancer-related deaths. Additionally, it is the third most prevalent type of cancer in women worldwide. According to estimates, one woman in India passes away from cervical cancer every eight minutes.
About The New Cervical Cancer Vaccine in India
Cervarix, Gardasil, and the newest Gardasil 9 vaccines are the three forms of cervical cancer vaccines now available. The government has permitted the Serum Institute of India to begin distributing its vaccine, Cervavac, by the end of this year.
Cervical cancer will be significantly reduced due to the Indian vaccine’s vastly lower cost. In the age range of 9 to 14 years, two doses spaced at six months are sufficient, whereas the age range of 15 to 26 years calls for a three-dose regimen (0, 1-2, 6 months).
Cost of Vaccine for Cervical Cancer in India
The quadrivalent vaccine Gardasil from Merck and the bivalent vaccine Cervarix from GSK are both currently offered on the Indian market as cervical cancer vaccines. The bivalent vaccine costs ₹3,299 for each dose, whereas Gardasil costs about ₹2,800 per dose.
The Serum Institute of India will deliver Cervavac, India’s third vaccine, shortly. The central government declared on September 1 that the vaccination would be obtainable in the market within the next few months.
At least four different HPV types are thought to be resistant to Cervavac, costing between 200 and $400. That amounts to less than a tenth of the price of the present immunizations.
How to Prevent Ervical Cancer?
India accounts for 1.23 lakh more cases of cervical cancer each year or one-fifth of all cases worldwide. And every year, up to 67,000 people pass away from the illness. According to a World Health Organization estimate, this lethal illness claimed the lives of 4 lakh people in 2019.
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Regular Papanicolaou (PAP) Test Screening-
In this test, a doctor will conduct an internal examination and scrape or brush the cervix to extract cells for testing using a particular tool if the pre-cancer stage is present in these cervix cells. Before the pre-cancer stage develops into cervical cancer, it can be treated. Every woman who engages in sexual activity is advised to take a test every three years.
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Getting Vaccination for Cervical Cancer-
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines for cervical cancer guard against the infection that most frequently results in cancer. These shots can solely protect against HPV infection. A previously existing HPV infection on the cervix cannot be treated. Because of this, cervical cancer vaccinations ought to be administered to women before they are exposed to HPV or engage in sexual activity. Knowing that no vaccine can completely protect against all HPV viruses that cause cancer is crucial. Thus, it is crucial to have regular PAP tests even after vaccination.
Since this specific virus causes cervical cancer in 85% to 90% of cases and this cervical cancer vaccine in India protects against certain viruses, it is pretty effective and prevents the disease.
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