The Ministry of Health has expanded the group that can receive the HPV vaccine. Patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis were included in the priority group for vaccination. The disease causes warts, usually on the larynx, which can extend to other parts of the respiratory system.
The disease is uncommon, generally benign, but causes serious clinical and psychological impairment, both in children and adults. According to a study by Brazilian researchers, published in the international journal Respiratory Medicine, the disease affects two out of every 100,000 children, and four out of every 100,000 adults.
The inclusion among the priority groups for immunization against HPV was motivated by the proven benefit of the vaccine as an auxiliary therapy.
Respiratory papillomatosis is treated through surgery. In some cases it is necessary to perform more than one operation. According to the Ministry of Health, warts can return more aggressively, especially in children and, therefore, the procedure can become costly, painful and, often, ineffective.
The Ministry recently adopted a new vaccination strategy against HPV: the scheme is now a single dose. The idea is to intensify protection for other diseases, such as cervical cancer. The measure follows the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization.
Tags: Health includes respiratory papillomatosis patients HPV vaccine
