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The scientific evidence is convincing: vaccines work! Their ability to prevent disease has been widely proven – to the point that disability and death caused by diseases such as smallpox and poliomyelitis are now a thing of the past. With the availability of the vaccine against the virus dupapillophages (HPV), it would be the same for cancer of the cervix uterus.
Since the HPV vaccine is available in 2006, countries are using it to protect girls against HPV strains. 16 and 18, who are directly responsible for seven out of ten cases of cervical cancer. Every year in the Americas, 83,000 women are diagnosed with the disease and 35,000 die from it.
Many countries that have introduced the vaccine have already seen a significant impact, especially when it comes to preventing infection. A systematic review of the impact of the vaccine revealed that high immunization coverage results in a 90% reduction in HPV 16 and HPV 18 infections and a 45% reduction in cases of precancerous lesions in women who have been vaccinated.
immunization coverage of more than 90% in the Americas, as well as cervical cancer screening and treatment programs, could prevent thousands of HPV cases each year and eliminate cases of HPV. cervical cancer avoided.
to thousands of women who will not become cancer patients, will not suffer the effects of chemotherapy and will not risk losing their lives in the face of this preventable disease.
It is estimated that at the end of 2016, more than 33 million were vaccinated against HPV in the Americas. This alone will prevent more than 307,000 cases of HPV and 133,000 deaths from cervical cancer in the future.
The vaccine also has other benefits than the reduction of HPV and cervical cancer in women and girls. Studies have also shown a decrease in HPV infection in unvaccinated men, since women who are not infected with HPV do not transmit the disease to their partners. In addition, evidence shows that vaccination against HPV helps prevent other cancers, including the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat.
According to the recommendations of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO / WHO), girls between the ages of nine and 14 years old should be vaccinated with two doses of HPV vaccine given between six and 15 months of age. interval. HPV vaccines given in this age group are more effective and girls have a better immune response.
Since 2006, 32 countries and territories in the Americas have included HPV vaccination in their routine immunization schedule. Currently, over 80% of girls in the region have access to the vaccine.
Since the HPV vaccine was licensed, more than 270 million doses have been applied worldwide. It is extremely safe and effective, and any doubts about its safety are baseless, lack scientific validity and serve only to cause rejections and delays in vaccination. The best thing parents can do is vaccinate their daughters on time and at the recommended doses.
The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) constantly analyzes all available data and studies on vaccine-related reactions. security. Side effects (headache, redness and pain at the point of injection, fever, nausea, and vertigo) do not differ from those of other vaccines, and it is essential to remember that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.
In developing countries, many women find out too late that they have HPV, usually when they seek treatment for genital warts, precancerous lesions or other series problems. , which reduces their chances of survival. That's why a cervical cancer prevention program that includes universal HPV vaccination for girls, as well as screening and treatment services for those who need it, could end cervical cancer of the uterus.
they have a happy and prosperous future, with less serious cancer to worry about
– Cuauhtemoc Ruiz-Matus is the head of vaccination at OPS. Lucia Helena de Oliveira is PAHO's Regional Advisor for New Vaccines. Email your comments to [email protected].
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