Ngoc, a third-year university student in Can Tho, has saved over 5 million VND. Visiting VNVC last weekend, she opted for the Gardasil vaccine for early protection, planning to get Gardasil 9 after graduation.

Ngoc learned about HPV in 10th grade through school workshops. Two things stuck with her: the virus is mainly spread through sexual contact, and anyone can be infected at some point in their lives. She also learned about the importance of vaccination for protection against multiple strains of the virus.

Most of Ngoc's close friends received the vaccine thanks to their parents. Ngoc also discussed it with her mother but their financial situation didn't allow for it. "My mother forbade me from dating and engaging in sexual activity to avoid infection, saying I could get vaccinated when I had a job and could afford it," Ngoc explained, adding that she started working part-time in university to cover expenses and save for the vaccine.

A student receives the HPV vaccine at the VNVC center in Thu Duc, TP HCM, paid for with savings from a part-time job. Photo: Dieu Thuan

A student receives the HPV vaccine at the VNVC center in Thu Duc, TP HCM, paid for with savings from a part-time job. Photo: Dieu Thuan

Huong Quynh, 21, a 4th-year university student in TP HCM, took her two younger sisters for HPV vaccinations after two months of summer work. The three doses for all of them cost nearly 9 million VND, almost her entire summer earnings, but Quynh is happy to help her parents financially and protect her sisters.

Quynh learned about HPV through news and social media, deciding earlier this year to get herself and her sisters, aged 14 and 10, vaccinated. She hopes the vaccines will protect her family from cancer and ensure better health.

According to Doctor Pham Dinh Dong, Medical Manager of VNVC Vaccination System, HPV is the human papillomavirus, primarily transmitted sexually, through skin-to-skin contact, or less commonly, by sharing personal items. Approximately 85% of women and 91% of men who are sexually active will contract HPV at least once in their lifetime. The highest infection rates are among sexually active men and women under 25.

Over 200 HPV strains exist, including over 40 high-risk types that affect the genitals, anus, mouth, and throat. Many infected individuals are asymptomatic and can clear the virus naturally. However, high-risk strains can persist, causing cellular changes that lead to genital warts, cervical cancer, and cancers of the throat, anus, vulva, and vagina.

Vaccination is one of the most effective preventative measures against HPV. Studies show the ideal age for vaccination is between 9 and 14, requiring only two doses.

Vietnam currently offers Gardasil and Gardasil 9. Gardasil protects against four types (6, 11, 16, and 18) and is recommended for females aged 9-26. Females aged 9 to under 14 require two doses, 6-12 months apart, while those aged 14-26 require three doses.

Gardasil 9 protects against nine types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) and is recommended for males and females aged 9-45, offering over 90% protection. Those aged 9 to under 15 need two doses, 6-12 months apart, while those aged 15-45 require three doses within six months.

For increased protection, Doctor Dong recommends safe sex practices, avoiding shared personal items, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and stress management. Parents should educate adolescents about sexual health and self-protection.

Cong Nguyen