I had my first shot of anti-cervical cancer vaccine from Merck last May 26. The name of the vaccine was Gardasil. Our office sponsored it for the first 100 women employees who registered on that day. My two officemates and I literally flew to the next building (where the vaccination took place) to get into the coveted list. Guess what, our numbers were 98, 99 and 100 respectively. How fateful is that?
Gardasil
Initially, I was a bit nervous based on the reactions of the other women ahead of me in the line. Some were very vocal about their fear, pleading to the nurse administering the vaccine to make it as painless as possible. Others were even on the verge of crying. Thankfully, our bodies had different reactions. Mine took the shot well. The shot was comparable to an ant bite. I didn't mind at all. The nurse warned us that we will feel numbness on our arm as the drug works its way to our blood vessels and finally, to where it should be. I was relieved that my left arm felt numb only for a few minutes then it was gone. It felt okay again like nothing happened. Now I look forward to the second and third shots with enthusiasm.
I first heard about anti-cervical cancer vaccines on the net. At first I thought it was another form of capitalism. That pharmaceuticals and doctors were just trying to make money and not save lives. But when I got invited to an anti-cervical cancer seminar by Bravehearts and GSK, my views changed. I learned that women are exposed to the virus throughout our lifetime and though our bodies have the capacity to clear the virus on their own, we should be more cautious and protective because it's deadly. In fact, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among women the world over. (Breast cancer remains on the top spot.)
The past few months, I tried to save up to get myself the vaccines. It helped that GSK announced during the seminar that they already reduced the prices of their anti-cervical cancer vaccines so that more women can avail of them. It was just pure luck that I got them for free and I cannot be more grateful to our office. I just hope its plan to buy more vaccines (for the next batch of women recipients) pushes through.
From what I have heard in the past months, each shot of the anti-cervical vaccine (whether its from GSK or Merck) costs anywhere from P2,500 to P7,500. Ask your trusted ob-gyne for complete information, particularly the type of human papillomavirus (HPV) strains the vaccine will prevent/fight against. Mine was HPV type 6, 11, 18 and 11. Your doctor may advise you to be screened first or give the first shot immediately. There will be a few months gap for the second and third shots. :)
Important Information About Gardasil (adapted from http://www.gardasil.com)
Photo Credit: http://www.cynthiajanak.com
Initially, I was a bit nervous based on the reactions of the other women ahead of me in the line. Some were very vocal about their fear, pleading to the nurse administering the vaccine to make it as painless as possible. Others were even on the verge of crying. Thankfully, our bodies had different reactions. Mine took the shot well. The shot was comparable to an ant bite. I didn't mind at all. The nurse warned us that we will feel numbness on our arm as the drug works its way to our blood vessels and finally, to where it should be. I was relieved that my left arm felt numb only for a few minutes then it was gone. It felt okay again like nothing happened. Now I look forward to the second and third shots with enthusiasm.
I first heard about anti-cervical cancer vaccines on the net. At first I thought it was another form of capitalism. That pharmaceuticals and doctors were just trying to make money and not save lives. But when I got invited to an anti-cervical cancer seminar by Bravehearts and GSK, my views changed. I learned that women are exposed to the virus throughout our lifetime and though our bodies have the capacity to clear the virus on their own, we should be more cautious and protective because it's deadly. In fact, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among women the world over. (Breast cancer remains on the top spot.)
The past few months, I tried to save up to get myself the vaccines. It helped that GSK announced during the seminar that they already reduced the prices of their anti-cervical cancer vaccines so that more women can avail of them. It was just pure luck that I got them for free and I cannot be more grateful to our office. I just hope its plan to buy more vaccines (for the next batch of women recipients) pushes through.
From what I have heard in the past months, each shot of the anti-cervical vaccine (whether its from GSK or Merck) costs anywhere from P2,500 to P7,500. Ask your trusted ob-gyne for complete information, particularly the type of human papillomavirus (HPV) strains the vaccine will prevent/fight against. Mine was HPV type 6, 11, 18 and 11. Your doctor may advise you to be screened first or give the first shot immediately. There will be a few months gap for the second and third shots. :)
Important Information About Gardasil (adapted from http://www.gardasil.com)
GARDASIL is the only cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. GARDASIL is for girls and young women ages 9 to 26.
Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of GARDASIL, including those severely allergic to yeast, should not receive the vaccine. GARDASIL is not for women who are pregnant. GARDASIL does not treat cervical cancer or genital warts.
GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone, and does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it’s important to continue routine cervical cancer screenings. GARDASIL will not protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV.
The side effects include pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and fainting. GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months.
Only a doctor or health care professional can decide if GARDASIL is right for you or your daughter.
Photo Credit: http://www.cynthiajanak.com
