The Ministry of Health (MS) adopted a new scheme for single dose vaccination against HPV (Human Papillomavirus), responsible for the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. The change was confirmed through a technical note from the department released on Monday (1st), replacing the old model of two applications.
Measure doubles the immunization capacity of stocks available in the country. The aim is to intensify protection against breast cancer cervix and other complications associated with the virus.
According to the MS, the change was based on “studies with robust evidence” on the effectiveness of the single scheme compared to versions with two or three phases. Furthermore, the new strategy follows the most recent guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), with Brazil being the 38th country to adopt the single dose.
Young people between 9 and 14 years old continue to form the main target audience for vaccination. The priority group also includes people with immunocompromise, victims of sexual violence and other specific conditions provided for in the National Immunization Program (PNI). People up to the age of 45 can receive the HPV vaccine.
The department’s technical note also guides states and municipalities to adopt active searchsocial mobilization methodology for identifying, registering and monitoring unvaccinated people.
WHAT IS HPV?
According to the Ministry of Health, the HPV (acronym in English for Human Papillomavirus) is associated with the development of almost all cervical cancers, in addition to several other tumors in men and women. Contamination by the virus is characterized as a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).
The first manifestations of HPV appear between approximately 2 and 8 months. Symptoms include warts in the genital region and anus, popularly known as “cockscomb”, “fig tree” or “horse crest”. In general, they are asymptomatic, but they can cause itching in the area.
Still according to the folder, the HPV vaccination It is the most effective measure to prevent the disease. The vaccine is distributed free of charge by the Unified Health System (SUS).
EXPANSION OF COVERAGE
The Ministry of Health also announced that it recorded a 42% increase in the number of doses of the HPV vaccine in Brazil in 2023. The number went from just over 4 million doses in 2022 to 6.1 million last year, a better result since 2018 (5.1 million).
“This resumption is the result of the efforts of states and municipalities that joined the Ministry of Health in the National Movement for Vaccination, reversing the downward trend in coverage of the main immunization agents in the calendar defined by the PNI”, defended the ministry.
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