Cervical cancer vaccination advice

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‍Why is vaccination important?

Vaccination is an effective way to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

Thanks to the advances in medical science, vaccination can protect against the most common high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which are linked to cervical cancer.

HPV is very common and easily transmitted. In most cases, the immune system clears the infection without causing any symptoms. However, certain high-risk types of the virus can persist and, over time, may lead to cervical cancer.

In the early stages, cervical cancer often causes no symptoms. Changes in cervical cells can gradually develop into pre-cancerous changes and, if left untreated, may progress to cancer. This process usually takes several years and can be detected through regular cervical screening.

Vaccination helps the immune system protect against the HPV infection. The vaccination course consists of three injections. The second dose is given one to two months after the first, and the third dose is given six months after the first dose. The vaccine is generally well tolerated. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as redness, swelling or mild pain, which usually pass quickly.

The vaccine does not cause cervical cancer. It has already been successfully used in thousands of women. Although vaccination protects against the most common types of HPV, it does not protect against all cancer-causing types. It is therefore important to continue attending regular cervical cancer screening.