São Paulo – The prevention of cervical cancer gains strength with the simplification of the HPV vaccination protocol by the Ministry of Health. Now, the new guideline provides for only one dose of the vaccine. So, making the process easier and more accessible for children and teenagers.
The HPV vaccine is distributed free of charge by the Unified Health System (SUS) for children and adolescents aged 9 to 14 years. However, vaccination coverage rates have not yet reached the desired levels. For girls, coverage reaches 76% in the first dose, but drops to 60% in the second. For boys, coverage is 42% in the first dose and 27% in the second.
Given this scenario, the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, organized an event today (3) to highlight the importance of vaccination. In an event at the Asa Norte Elementary Education Center, in Brasília, Nísia highlighted the need to rebuild trust in health. So, she reinforced the importance of vaccine education. She reinforced that “the vaccine saves our lives”.
“This effort belongs to everyone. From health, education, communication and all those who want to defend life and who know that the vaccine is one of the most important instruments for this”, highlighted the minister.
Vaccine advocacy
The Ministry of Health’s decision to adopt a single dose follows the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization. According to these organizations, a single dose already offers significant protection against HPV. Therefore, greater adherence to vaccination is expected. Thus, increasing vaccination coverage and contributing to the fight against cervical cancer.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health is promoting the National Movement for Vaccination in the School Community, in partnership with the Ministry of Education. The initiative aims to update the records of children and adolescents under 15 years of age with immunizations offered in children’s multivaccination. Actions like this have been essential to expand vaccination coverage and ensure the protection of the population.
Data from the Ministry of Health reveal that, in 2023, almost 4 thousand Brazilian municipalities adopted the vaccination strategy. Over the past year, more than 6.1 million doses of the HPV vaccine were administered, representing the highest number since 2018 and a significant increase compared to previous years.
The School Health Program, created in 2007, has played a fundamental role in promoting student health and integrating health and education in Brazil. Simplifying the HPV vaccination protocol is another important step in this ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of the young population.
