Did you know that the number 2 cancer killer among Filipinas is Cervical Cancer? I never knew that, not until I attended an intimate dialogue discussing Cervical Cancer and the virus that causes it. May is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and MSD organizes its own commemoration through this dialogue themed as “An HPV-Free Future.” It helped me understand more about Cervical Cancer, the virus causing it and Cervical Cancer Vaccine Philippines (available here in the country).

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Philippines Dialogue For An HPV-Free Future

Keeping it short and direct for you, here are Cervical Cancer Vaccine Philippines: 5 Burning Questions Answered!

#1. What is Cervical Cancer Vaccine? 

Cervical Cancer Vaccine is a vaccine developed to protect the cervix from cancer causing virus.

• HPV or Human Papillomavirus is the virus responsible for causing infections and cancer to the genital area which includes the cervix.
• HPV has more than 100 strains and about 40 kinds can infect the genital area.
• HPV strains that can cause cancer is about a dozen.
• HPV 16 and HPV 18 is the worst strain and the major cancer causing.
• HPV 6 and HPV 11 causes most cases of genital warts.

Most Cervical Cancer Vaccine Philippines can provide protection from HPV 16 and 18 and the newest Cervival Cancer Vaccine, Gerdasil 9 or G9 can protect the genital area from 9 types of HPV:

•  7 Cancer causing HPV strains : 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58
• 2 genital warts causing HPV strains: 6 and 11

#2 How safe is Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

It is safe for breastfeeding mom as discussed during the dialogue. It is safe and has no serious side effect. Local side effects can be experienced after the vaccine is administered.

#3 How long the Cervival Cancer Vaccine can protect the patient from hpv?

15 years and counting. That being said because the first ever vaccination was done 15 years ago and these are observed up until now. So there is not truth on some issues that the vaccine can only last up to 5 years (a friend mentioned this to me).

#4 Who needs the Cervical Cancer Vaccine Philippines? 

• It is advised to women and men as early as 9 years old. Currently, the government is doing mass vaccinations of school girls on that age range (9-10 or 9-11).
• I am 35 years old, do I need it? YES
• My mother is 65 years old, does she need it? My mother is single and even she suddenly got a partner, Cervical Cancer does not develop over night. It takes 20 years. The decision to have a senior citizen vaccinated against hpv is a personal choice.
• Why vaccinate boys/ men? They do not have cervix. HPV is not just about cervical cancer, other form of cancer in the genital area are caused by HPV.

#5 How much is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine Philippines?

The cervical cancer vaccine that protects from 9 HPV strains is 7000 Pesos per shot (Gardasil 9 or G9). If you are more than 15 years old, you will need 3 shots in 6 months duration. Ask your OB Gyne about the schedule. For kids, only 2 shots are needed. You can ask your pedia about this.

A question that has been asked: “I already completed the whole 3 shots of another brand, do I need the newest cervical cancer vaccine? YES yo do. The old vaccine can only protects from 4 strains. Getting a complete dose of G9 protects you 5 more cancer causing hpv types.

Another question: I only got 1 dose of Gardasil 4, can I continue it with second dose and 3rd dose using Gardasil 9? NO. You need to start again with dose using Gardasil 9.

Another question: I only got one dose of Gardasil 4/ other brand, should I finish this and then get Gardasil 9? You don’t have to. You just need to start again with dose 1 with Gardasil 9.

After the dialogue, we got the chance to talk to some survivors of Cervical Cancer. We asked them what advice they can give to other women, specially to moms. And all said un unison: PAP SMEAR. 

Schedule your visit to your OB now for a pap smear and ask about the newest Cervical Cancer Vaccine Philippines.

One of the vital parts of the body is the eye, and each pair is useful to our daily lives. I can’t imagine how difficult it is for people with vision impaired, take it from me, I am wearing eyeglasses for years. At first, I find it challenging but then, later on, I get used to it, and now I am enjoying my pair of eyeglass! However, even I wear my glass, I am not invisible to eye irritations. Some people believe that eyeglasses are great as shield especially if you are chopping onions. No, eyeglasses are not goggles!

I am not exempted from eye irritations, and always making sure that I have a remedy that is on-hand. Also, as a mother of five, my kids’ eyes are so important to me. As much as possible, I don’t want them to experience any of the eye irritations. However, due to some factors, there are times that they are unavoidable especially if they are in the school.

In a recent event I attended, Eye Mo, a leading eye drop brand, has identified the top 5 signs of eye irritation with their new campaign entitled “Eyeritation”. This campaign aims to educate Filipinos and call importance to proper eye care, which a lot of the time is taken for granted.

1.       Red eyes
It is the type of eye irritation that commonly occurred in people who are exposed to air pollution and outdoor activities. Commuters are the highest population who are susceptible to this irritation. Individuals who have allergies may also experience red eyes.

2.       Watery eyes
It happens when the eyes produce excessive tears due to irritation and allergies. It is very common to people who are wearing eye makeup. When a part of the eye is irritated, it will cause inflammation and will result in watery eyes.

3.       Sore eyes
I always warned my kids when it comes to sore eyes. It is caused by too much exposure to the eyes to the computer, cell phone, tablet, and even on books. That is why I limit them when it comes to these things. However, I am guilty; I am a huge book-lover, and most of the time, I spent time working in front of the computer.

4.       Itchy eyes
My third born son is very prone to itchy eyes. One time he is playing outside, and I can barely smell the pollen from the grass. After a few minutes, his eyes are getting itchy, and he can’t help but to rubbed it. A gentle reminder with itchy eyes, do not rub them even if you can’t stand the itchiness! Allergies often cause it so make sure to know the source.

5.       Dry eyes
It is also one of the conditions which are I am very cautious when it comes to the kids especially on their gadgets’ day. Too much exposure to devices, television, and air-conditioning system are very vulnerable to dry eyes.

These eye irritations can be easily combated with the use of Eye Mo. It comes in two variants, the blue one and the red one. The blue Eye Mo or Eye Mom Moisturizing Formula is specially formulated to battle eye dryness and other eye irritants. The red Eye Mo or Eye Mo Red Eyes Formula contains Tetrahydrozoline HCl for quick relief of eye redness.

Eye mo has been very helpful in fighting these eye irritations. I am an avid user for years and I always make sure that I keep them handy. Good thing that eye mo products are compact and easy to carry. I remembered when I was a kid, eye mo has been a part of my childhood. So, to create a wonderful world for my kids, I make sure they are free from eye irritations!

Eye Mo is now owned and manufactured by Combiphar Group of Companies, a leading multinational Indonesia-based consumer healthcare company, and distributed by LF Asia Philippines, Inc., who has more than 40 years worth of success as a leading healthcare distributor.