Currently, the HPV vaccine is available through the Unified Health System (SUS) for children and adolescents aged 9 to 14. In the case of adults, specific groups can also be immunized through the public health system, such as people living with HIV, transplant recipients and cancer patients, among others. Recent studies have shown, however, that even adult women who have already contracted HPV can benefit from the vaccine.
According to the president of the Brazilian Society of Immunizations (SBIm), Mônica Levi, sexually active women who have already been infected with HPV remain at risk of new infections throughout their lives. This is because medical literature records more than 200 subtypes of the virus, four of which are primarily responsible for causing cancer of the cervix, anus, vulva, vagina, penis and oropharynx. Therefore, a person infected with one subtype can still be protected against other subtypes through the vaccine.
During the 26th National Immunization Conference in Recife, Mônica mentioned changes in the behavior of the Brazilian population, including postponing marriage, the spike in divorces among women aged 30 to 49, and a greater number of sexual partners during life, which increases the risk of new HPV infections in adulthood. In addition, according to her, studies show that the vaccine is capable of reducing the chances of recurrence in people who have already treated lesions caused by the virus.
“Uruguay is the first country in the Americas to offer the vaccine free of charge to patients who have already had lesions. This update was recently released and was carried out by the country’s Ministry of Health,” she highlighted. Furthermore, according to Mônica, studies show that persistent HPV infections increase with age. The doctor also highlights that the long-lasting efficacy (ten years or more) of the HPV vaccine was demonstrated in women aged between 27 and 45.
“The conclusions are that adult women remain at risk of acquiring new HPV infections and that vaccines against the virus are safe and effective in middle-aged women as well,” she highlighted. “The HPV vaccine also prevents reinfection in women with previous infection and protects against recurrences after treatment of lesions,” concluded Mônica.
*The reporter traveled at the invitation of the Brazilian Society of Immunizations (SBIm)
