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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 thelow 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 adolescentsis 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.

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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.