{"id":17183,"date":"2018-07-02T18:37:31","date_gmt":"2018-07-02T22:37:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=17183"},"modified":"2018-07-02T18:37:31","modified_gmt":"2018-07-02T22:37:31","slug":"controversial-hpv-vaccine-now-available-in-antigua","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/controversial-hpv-vaccine-now-available-in-antigua\/","title":{"rendered":"Controversial HPV Vaccine Now Available In Antigua"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Public health officials hve begun administering the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines from July 2nd, 2018 to reduce the risk of cancers caused by the HPV virus.<\/p>

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The HPV virus causes almost all cervical cancers in women and also other cancers and genital warts in both males and females,<\/p>\n

The primary target group for the vaccine is boys and girls ages 9-13 years so that the body will best develop its defense against the HPV virus.<\/p>

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The vaccine works best if it is given before exposure to HPV \u2013 that is, before sexual activity commences, although HPV can also be transmitted through skin to skin contact, kissing, contaminated objects like towels, sheets, clothing, floors & gym equipment.<\/p>

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The HPV vaccine is also recommended for young women and men up to 26 years of age. It is administered as an injection in the muscle of the upper arm. Two doses are given to males and females 9 \u2013 14 years of age over a 6 to 12-month period, while males and females 15 \u2013 26 years will receive 3 doses in all, 2 and 6 months respectively after the first dose.<\/p>\n

Participation in the HPV vaccination programme is voluntary and is administered free of charge. The vaccine can be accessed at the following locations daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Mondays \u2013 Thursdays and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Fridays:<\/p>

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