When mentioning HPV, many people often assume that this is a virus only related to cervical cancer in women. In fact, men are also at risk of many dangerous diseases caused by HPV, but many people are still subjective and lack understanding of this virus.
Nguyen Trung Kien (18 years old, Cau Giay ward, Hanoi) said that he had encountered information about HPV on social networks. However, because he thought this disease was only related to women, Trung Kien did not investigate further.
“Sometimes while watching other programs, I also see advertisements about HPV vaccine but just flashed through, so I don't pay much attention. I also never thought I needed to get vaccinated because I thought this disease was not related to men,” Trung Kien said.
Mr. Do Xuan Tuyen (24 years old, Dong Da ward, Hanoi) shared that he had heard about HPV causing diseases in women, but did not think that men also have a risk of contracting diseases related to this virus.
If I know HPV can also affect men, I will consider getting vaccinated to protect my health as well as my girlfriend's. In my opinion, prevention is always better than cure," Mr. Tuyen said.
According to experts, the fact that many people still think that HPV vaccine is only necessary for women is a fairly common mistake today. In fact, HPV not only affects women but men are also at risk of being infected with this virus throughout their lives.
Doctor Vo Minh Nhut - Deputy Head of Vaccine Professional Department, Long Chau Pharmaceutical and Vaccination System - said that HPV infection in men can cause some diseases such as genital warts and cancers including anal cancer, penile cancer, pharyngeal cancer. Among them, HPV is recorded as the cause of about 90% of anal cancer cases, more than 60% of penile cancer and about 70% of pharyngeal cancers related to HPV.
HPV vaccination helps men reduce the risk of related diseases, and at the same time, contributes to limiting the transmission of the virus to partners and the community. This is not only a measure to protect personal health but also demonstrates responsibility for the health of loved ones and the community," Dr. Minh Nhut analyzed.
According to Dr. Minh Nhut, major health organizations all recommend vaccinating against HPV as soon as possible before the risk of exposure to the virus. Among them, the priority age group is children and adolescents from 9 to 14 years old.
Currently, HPV vaccines that have been licensed by the Ministry of Health and are all effective in protecting common high-risk HPV types are circulating in Vietnam. The selection of vaccines needs to be based on indications, licensed age and accessibility of each person.
The important thing is not to delay vaccination just to wait for a specific vaccine, because high protection effectiveness is achieved when people are vaccinated at the recommended time," Dr. Minh Nhut emphasized.
In addition, experts note that people need to fully comply with the vaccination schedule according to the instructions of the manufacturer and vaccination facility. Getting enough doses as recommended is an important factor to achieve optimal protection and maintain long-term immunity.
