Why Are Women—and Everyone Else—Getting Vaccinated Against HPV?

“There is what we call pharmacy-based immunization. There are now certain pharmacies that are licensed to give the vaccines. [Through] proper training and certification, they would be able to administer the vaccines.” ~Liza Sta Maria, President of the Philippine Society of Hospital Pharmacists

Women from various backgrounds came together for Guard Against HPV's impactful panel discussion, Her Story, Her Strength: Speaking Up on What We DeCerv, organized by MSD in the Philippines. 

The event included compelling stories about health literacy from medical experts, practical insights into everyday preventive measures from influencers, and powerful conversations with advocates and survivors. 

Niña Corpuz moderated the event, featuring panelists Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, Liza Sta Maria, Jane Cheng, Aencille Santos, Jessica Tinio, Ivy Bermejo, Belay Fernando, Bea McLelland, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, and Kendra Kramer. 

What is HPV

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause serious health problems in men and women, including cervical, genital, and throat cancers. It is often spread unknowingly because many people are asymptomatic. 

Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, an OBGYN, calls it a "silent pandemic." To combat HPV, she recommends the ABCDV approach: abstinence, be faithful, condom use, doctor consultation, and vaccination.

"[HPV] is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is responsible for over 95% of cervical cancer cases." ~Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, OBGYN 

Preventing HPV with Awareness

L-R: Panelists include renowned women’s health advocates Belay Fernando, Bea McLelland, Kendra Kramer, and Cheska Garcia-Kramer, with Niña Corpuz as the host.

Celebrity Mom and Women’s Health Advocate Cheska Garcia-Kramer shares her approach to starting tough conversations about HPV at home with her daughter Kendra: 

“I know a lot of young girls are more comfortable talking with their peers, and young girls are also comfortable getting information through the internet. But I always remind her [Kendra] that your comfort should be with your mom. Because I love you. I don’t judge you. There are no questions too hard, too difficult, or too embarrassing that you can’t tell me.” ~Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Celebrity Mom and Women’s Health Advocate

Belay Fernando, former player and coach of the Philippine National Team for Women's football, and a cancer survivor, reflects on her experience with the early symptoms of cervical cancer: 

“There were signs, but as Filipinos, as athletes, we were told to be strong. You have to put work ahead [or] this priority ahead. We weren’t really taught or told to prioritize our health or to listen to the signs of our body.” ~Belay Fernando, Former Player and Coach of the Philippine National Team for Women's Football, and a Cancer Survivor

Bea McLelland, a Beauty Queen and Advocate for Cervical Cancer Prevention, highlights the lack of awareness about the disease: 

“Nobody really talks about cervical cancer. Not even with my friends, not in schools, not even within the family. They [medical professionals] opened my mind to it and how this is one cancer that can really be prevented with vaccination and early detection.” ~Bea McLelland, a Beauty Queen and Advocate for Cervical Cancer Preventio

Starting Open Conversations on HPV

As a member of the media, Jane Kingsu emphasizes the importance of spreading the word "in an easy and comprehensible manner" particularly as people read less and watch more. She believes that everyone has the ability to influence others, and as health advocates, we must address this issue proactively.

Jessica Tinio, a multi-hyphenate mom, content creator, and law student, explains how attending a previous 'Di Mo DeCerv' talk inspired her to “try to research and to read more.” Echoing Jane Kingsu's emphasis on accessible information, Jessica highlights the importance of dedicating time to reading and research, which she finds pivotal in her journey to prioritize her health while balancing the demands of motherhood.

Aencille Santos, a fitness content creator, believes that health is subjective but emphasizes four key areas to prepare against HPV: “movement, food, mind, and connections.” She stresses that these should be practiced consistently, even in small doses, as part of a daily routine. 

People, particularly Filipinos, perceive health differently. According to Financial Advisor Ivy Bermejo, Filipinos frequently place a low value on their health. She emphasizes the value of investing in preventive measures.

“If you add in the emotional cost, mental stress, financial cost–it makes sense why investing in this is a smart financial decision.” ~Ivy Bermejo, Financial Advisor

Why Get Vaccinated Today

So, why should you get vaccinated now? Regular screenings and vaccinations must be prioritized, not only for your own health, but also for the larger public health effort. By taking these proactive steps, you ensure that you are doing everything possible to protect yourself and contribute to the fight against HPV-related diseases. 

Make the decision to get screened and vaccinated right away to ensure your health and demonstrate your commitment to what you DeCerv. Learn more about HPV and what you can do about it through Guard Against HPV.