The Ministry of Health has expanded until December the mobilization to vaccinate adolescents aged 15 to 19 against HPV. The goal is to reach about 7 million young people who lost immunization at the recommended age, from 9 to 14 years.
In a statement, the folder reported that the strategy has the support of states and municipalities and that, to facilitate access, the dose is being offered in Basic Health Units (UBS) and also in schools, universities, sports gyms and malls.
“The HPV vaccine is safe and fundamental in preventing cervical cancers, vulva, penis, throat and neck. Rescue actions seek to ensure that all adolescents and young people in this age group are immunized, ensuring a healthier future for next generations.”
Balance
Ministry data indicate that by the beginning of the month, more than 115,000 teenagers had been immunized in this new stage of the strategy. The states with the highest number of vaccinations are Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and São Paulo.
By 2024, Brazil registered more than 82% of HPV vaccination coverage among girls from 9 to 14 years, above the global average of 37%. Among boys of the same age group, the coverage was 67%.
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Vaccination scheme
Since last year, Brazil has adopted the single dose scheme against HPV for children and adolescents from 9 to 14 years, replacing the previous model of two doses. The measure, according to the ministry, follows international recommendations and reinforces the commitment of the country of eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
For immunocompromised people, such as those living with HIV/AIDS and cancer and transplanted patients, the scheme against HPV remains three doses. The same rule also applies to users of pre-exposure (PREP) prophylaxis aged 15 and 45 years and for victims of sexual violence from the age of 15.
Understand
HPV (human papillomavirus) affects skin and mucous membranes. Currently, it is the most common sexually transmitted infection around the world. There are over 200 types of HPV – some can cause Genital warts while others are associated with malignant tumors, such as cervical cancer, anus, penis, mouth and throat.
According to the Ministry of Health, vaccination, offered free of charge via the Unified Health System (SUS), is considered the most effective form of HPV prevention, coupled with condom use, which help reduce the risk of contagion.
Infection, in most people, has no symptoms. In some cases, HPV may be latent for months to years, without expressing signs visible to the naked or subclinical eye.
The first manifestations of infection usually emerge between two and eight months, but may take up to 20 years and are usually more common in pregnant women and people with low immunity.
The diagnosis is made through clinical and laboratory tests, depending on the type of injury.
