Summary
The Ministry of Health will adopt a single-dose strategy for the HPV vaccine to expand access to the population, which can be supplemented for those who are eligible. The vaccine prevents cancer related to the virus.
The Ministry of Health will adopt a single-dose strategy against HPV. The measure aims to allow more people access to the vaccine. “The measure adopted by the Ministry of Health with the application of one dose happened to increase the population’s access to this vaccine, and even with just one dose, antibodies are formed and prevention occurs”, explains cardiologist, Dr. Fábio Argenta.
Find out how the single dose of the HPV vaccine will work
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The expert suggests, however, that the vaccination schedule with two or three doses be completed, for those who are able. “Thinking about collective health, it is much better to do just one dose than not to do any at all. However, thinking about individual health, anyone who can complete the two or three dose regimen in the private network should do so, without a shadow of a doubt” .
This change in the distribution of the vaccine will allow a greater number of people to have access to vaccination. The idea is that more and more people are aware of the importance of the vaccine, which protects against different types of cancer.
What does the HPV vaccine prevent?
The acronym HPV corresponds to viruses called human papillomaviruses, which are sexually transmitted through contact between mucous membranes and even through skin-to-skin contact. “This group comprises more than 200 types of viruses that are cancer precursors, nine of which are associated with 99% of cervical cancers, 75% of vaginal cancers, 69% of vulvar cancers and 93% of of anus and genital warts, in addition to being associated with most cases of penile cancer”, points out Dr Argenta.
The vaccine to prevent these cancers, therefore, is recommended for everyone between 9 and 45 years of age. And for people over 45 years old under medical prescription. “Ideally, it should be applied before sexual contact, between 9-14 years of age. However, even individuals who have already started sexual activity gain protection and immunity with the vaccine, even people in their 20s, 30s, 40s can take and still enjoy protection”, adds Dr. Rodolpho Truffa Kleine, assistant physician at the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo.
Why is she so expensive?
According to experts, the immunizer (which can be quadrivalent or nonavalent) has advanced manufacturing technology, which guarantees its safety and effectiveness, has limited and controlled production, which makes the final value considerable. In the private network, the value of the vaccine dose can exceed R$ 900. However, doctor Dr. Fábio Argenta reinforces “the value of the HPV vaccination schedule is infinitely lower than the financial and emotional costs of a treatment for cancer”.
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Source: Redação Terra Você
