Hello Mam, I have 2 daughters (8 & 14 years old). I came to know that Serum institute has recently launched vaccine for Cervical cancer namely CERVAVAC. Can we go ahead with it for both my daughters to prevent them with Cervical cancer in the future. Another question is that my younger daughter is prone to viral fever when there is whether change seaoson. Can we get her any good flu vaccine. does it work or we should let it be with? your advice is highly appreciable. thanks shankar kataia

Ans: Cervavac is a quadrivalent vaccine namely it covers 4 serotypes of the Human papilloma virus. This virus is the cause of genital warts and cervical cancer. There is another brand available which covers 9 serotypes. Both are licenced for use in children older than 9 yrs. There is a significant difference in the cost of the 2 brands and hence the decision has to be yours. yes, it is a vaccine that girls should take. Your older daughter will need 3 doses but if you give it to your younger daughter after she completes 9 and before 13 years, she will need 2 doses only.
Flu vaccines will protect against the diseases caused by the strains in the vaccine for that year . So the seasonal illness burden will reduce by 40-50% approximately . If your daughter is an asthmatic or gets seasonal wheezy illness then yes, the flu vaccine is worthwhile getting.