Patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis are included in the priority group for HPV vaccine

Patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) were included in the priority group for vaccination against HPV. The inclusion was motivated by a series of publications demonstrating the benefits of the vaccine as an auxiliary treatment for these patients, indicating a large reduction in the number and spacing of relapses in immunized patients. The vaccine will be offered upon presentation of a medical prescription. And for those under 18, a document with consent from parents or guardians is required.

Respiratory papillomatosis is an uncommon disease, generally benign, which can cause serious clinical and psychological impairment in those affected. It affects both children and adults. Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially types 6 and 11, it is characterized by the formation of warts, generally in the larynx, but which can extend to other parts of the respiratory system.

The treatment of RRP is surgical, to remove warts from the vocal cords and larynx. Even with the concomitant use of medications that may be associated with the procedure, recurrences are frequent, requiring repeated surgical procedures. In cases with worse evolution in children, relapses are more aggressive and the prognosis is worse. Therefore, the treatment, in most cases, is extremely costly, painful and, often, ineffective.

Therefore, since the development of the HPV vaccine in 2006, the role of this vaccine as an addition to the treatment of the disease has been studied, quantifying the number of surgical interventions or recurrences of papillomas in vaccinated patients, compared to patients treated conventionally. Considering the benefits highlighted, otorhinolaryngology services have evaluated the use of this vaccine as a therapeutic adjuvant, with encouraging results. After evaluating this information, the Department of the National Immunization Program (DPNI) of the Ministry of Health decided to include people with RRP in the priority group for vaccination against HPV.

Single dose

The ministry recently adopted a new vaccination strategy against HPV: the scheme is now a single dose, replacing the old two-application model. As a result, the folder practically doubles the immunization capacity of stocks available in the country. The idea is to intensify protection against cervical cancer and other complications associated with the virus. The single dose recommendation was based on studies with robust evidence on the effectiveness of the regimen compared to versions with two or three stages. Furthermore, the strategy follows the most recent recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).