Question 1

What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer occurs at the entrance of the womb (cervix).

Answer 1

It is the third most common cancer among women following breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

In Malaysia, around 1,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually.

Cervical cancer accounts for 6% of deaths due to cancer among women.

Question 2

What is Human Papiloma Virus (HPV)?

Answer 2

HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Every married woman is at risk of HPV infection.

Question 3

What is HPV immunization?

Answer 3

HPV immunizations prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV infections.

Three injections will be given on the upper arm over a six month period as shown in the table:

• First Injection – The date set for HPV immunization in school or at the clinics
• Second Injection – One month after the first injection
• Third Injection – Six months after the first injection

The vaccine is not made from any dubious source.

Question 4

Why does my 13 years old daughter have to be immunised?

Answer 4

Your daughter is at risk to be infected with HPV. In the future, the immunization will protect her from cervical cancer.

At present, the Ministry of Health, Malaysia is giving the immunization for FREE for all girls in Form 1 and girls currently aged 13.

Qustion 5

Where can my daughter get her immunisation?

Answer 5

If your daughter is in school, she will be asked through her school to have e rimmunisation.

If your daughter had left school, she had to go to the government health clinics for her immunization.

Question 6

Can my older daughter have the immunization?

Answer 6

The immunization will only be given to girls in Form 1 or girls currently aged 13. Those who are not in the specified groups can have the immunization at any private clinics and hospitals at a certain charge.

Question 7

What is my role as a parent / guardian?

Answer 7

Please give your written consent for your daughter to be immunized.

Please ensures that she completes the 3 injections as scheduled.

These 3 injections will provide her with optimum protection against HPV infection.

Question 8

Who will administer the injections?

Answer 8

The injections will be administered by qualified and trained healthcare personnel.

Question 9

Is the vaccine ‘halal’?

The vaccine is not made from any dubious source.

Question 10

Will there be any side effects?

Answer 10

The vaccine is safe.

The most common side effect is soreness where the injection is given.

If you have other problems following the injection, please seek further treatment at the clinics or hospital near you.

Question 11

Will the immunization cause infertility?

Answer 11

No. the immunization will not result in infertility.

Question 12

What are the conditions that prohibit immunization?

Answer 12

Your daughter will not be given the immunization under these circumstances:

If she experienced acute side effects following her first or second injection.

Is she has history of serious allergic reaction and were admitted to the hospital.

Pregnant

Question 13

What if she misses her appointment?

Amswer 13

If she fall sick or absent from school on the day of the immunization, a new appointment will be given to her by the health staff.

MORE INFORMATION

More detailed information on HPV immunization is available through:

• Doctors or other health staffs in school or at the clinics.
• Visit www.myhealth.gov.my or www.moh.gov.my
• HPV Printed Media

Last Reviewed : 19 August 2010