This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
The HPV vaccine has been rolled out in Kenya for girls aged 10, aiming to prevent cervical cancer. However, some women politicians have raised concerns that this targeted approach leaves out women who also need the vaccine.
According to the women leaders, by vaccinating only school-going girls and those within the targeted age group, women who also require the vaccine are locked out, leaving them at risk of getting the virus and developing cervical cancer.
Despite these concerns, the vaccine is highly effective when administered to children from the age of 10 before they become sexually active. The HPV vaccine helps produce antibodies that fight the virus, protecting against HPV infections.
Research shows that during pre-teen years, children have stronger immune responses to the HPV vaccine, making it a crucial time for vaccination.
The vaccine is more effective when given in two shot series within a six-month period, and it's recommended to complete the series before kids become sexually active. Getting vaccinated early, starting from the age of 9, especially if there's a family history of cervical cancer, is highly advisable.
HPV can cause cancer and is incurable, but most infections clear up on their own within two years without causing long-term consequences. However, in some cases, the infection persists, putting women at risk of serious health problems, including cervical cancer and genital warts.
Over 27,000 men and women are affected by cancers linked to HPV every year, including cervical cancer, penile cancer, throat cancer, and vulvar cancer. Most of these cancers can be prevented by vaccinating young children before they become sexually active.
HPV can be contracted through a single sexual encounter or at any point when sexually active, often with few visible symptoms. This makes it challenging for individuals and their partners to know if they're infected, emphasizing the importance of prevention through vaccination.
