Getting the HPV Vaccine?

16

I just read this on BBC news. It says it's licensed for use on women between 16-26 years old, which would be me. But how do I go about getting it?

I'm 19 and have only had one sexual partner (who was also a virgin) so it is unlikely I already have HPV right? So the vaccination could benefit me? Do I just go to my GP and ask for it?

Reply 1

LipGloss

Apparently it's not available on the NHS yet, but will be very soon. The vaccine is most effective when given to girls aged 11-12, before they become sexually active. I'm not sure if it's going to be offered to women who are already sexually active (even though it should be IMO).

Reply 2

RetiredAccount89

18

1)no gp would give it to you on the nhs
2)one thing they don't really tell people is it sa vaccine more targetted for white people.

Reply 3

Lottie

9

Jamie

one thing they don't really tell people is it sa vaccine more targetted for white people.

Reply 4

danesh

Lottie

yes specific to race, like quite a few drugs and treatments

Reply 5

RetiredAccount89

18

Well its all a bit dodgy really. theres lots of different HPV viruses, and the main ones that cause cancer in white people are HPV16 and 18. But in people from other countries 16 and 18 are responsible for much less cancer.
So this vaccine will be very good in mainly white areas like rural areas, but places like south london - really bad.

Obviously the reason for this is the companies would have to spend a few million more developinga vaccine useful for everyone.
instead they can save the money, make this vaccine, and then ten years down the line bring out a new and improved version costing twice as much.

But seriously, don't expect this vaccine to mean you don't need smears anymore - you will. And don't be thinking it will have much of an effect taking the vaccine after you have had sex a few times.
If however you have had no sexual contact, then the vaccine will work fine at any age.

Reply 6

readyforaberequine07

1

Yeah, I just had the first shot a little while ago. I've been with a couple of guys, and my doctor still wanted for me to have it. It wasn't too bad, as shots go, but I did have a panic attack before I had it (I'm really bad about shots). It was covered on my American insurance and the NHS as far as I can see is pretty good, so it should be covered soon. Just call the doc and ask.

Reply 7

RetiredAccount89

18

readyforaberequine07

Yeah, I just had the first shot a little while ago. I've been with a couple of guys, and my doctor still wanted for me to have it. It wasn't too bad, as shots go, but I did have a panic attack before I had it (I'm really bad about shots). It was covered on my American insurance and the NHS as far as I can see is pretty good, so it should be covered soon. Just call the doc and ask.

thats because in yanks-ville the doctors get cash when they give you unnecessary vaccinations, investigations and treatments.

Reply 8

Talya

OP

16

I am half english(white), so surely will be more susceptible to the virus than an entirely asian person?

Reply 9

RetiredAccount89

18

its not about susceptibility, its about who you sleep with - thats what i meant.
despite how this country is meant to be multicultural, afro-carribs in london still mainly sleep with afro-carribs, africans mainly sleep with africans, whites with whites, asians with asians.

The vaccine won't do you any harm, but bear in mind that it won't protect you against cervical cancer - just reduce the risk. and that the risk reduction will probably be smaller than that quoted by the vaccine maker because you aren't a white girl from rural wales in a village full of white people.

Reply 10

Talya

OP

16

Jamie

its not about susceptibility, its about who you sleep with - thats what i meant.
despite how this country is meant to be multicultural, afro-carribs in london still mainly sleep with afro-carribs, africans mainly sleep with africans, whites with whites, asians with asians.

The vaccine won't do you any harm, but bear in mind that it won't protect you against cervical cancer - just reduce the risk. and that the risk reduction will probably be smaller than that quoted by the vaccine maker because you aren't a white girl from rural wales in a village full of white people.

OK

But if I get cervical cancer I'm blaming you

Reply 11

Anonymous #1

I'm thinking of getting it, I'm not white but my bf (sort of) is white so I'm at risk, correct?

Reply 12

RetiredAccount89

18

if you get cervical cancer blame your own sexual habits and whomever gave you HPV.

Take the vaccine by all means, but don't be under any illusions that it is a decent fix. the vaccine against measles cuts your risk of measles by a huge rate. the one for hpv will cut it by 50% at best.
If we immunise most kids however for the next 20 years then we'll see much more of an effect, but still less than 70% reduction.

Reply 13

Talya

OP

16

Jamie

if you get cervical cancer blame your own sexual habits and whomever gave you HPV.

So if I stay with my current partner who is definitely clean for the rest of my life I am very very unlikely to get HPV?

Reply 14

shady lane

16

You can get it if he cheats on you.

Reply 15

Talya

OP

16

shady lane

You can get it if he cheats on you.

lol he won't

So assuming he doesn't cheat, there is zero chance of me getting HPV?

Reply 16

shady lane

16

If you don't have it already, and he doesn't cheat, and you don't, you have no risk. It's like any other STI.

That having been said, loads of people cheat and get cheated on, so I don't think you shouldn't get the vaccine because you think you're so in love that it could never happen to you.

Reply 17

Talya

OP

16

shady lane

That having been said, loads of people cheat and get cheated on, so I don't think you shouldn't get the vaccine because you think you're so in love that it could never happen to you.