Updated on 04/14/2022 13:32
- Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer.
- An HPV vaccination can protect against it.
- In the future, even more young people should receive a vaccination offer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its vaccination recommendations for the prevention of cervical cancer. In a statement, she writes that a simple vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) offers sufficient protection for women under the age of 21. The previously recommended second spade is according to a recent Single dose effectiveness study not necessary. The WHO still recommends two or three vaccine doses for people aged 21 and over and those with a weakened immune system.
With the new recommendation, more people can be vaccinated with the same level of protection, explains committee chairman Alejandro Cravioto. Only 13 percent of the world population would currently have double vaccination protection. In poorer countries in particular, the rate is low. The reasons for this are high costs, a lack of resources or administrative hurdles. The new regulation is intended to remedy the situation.
“I firmly believe that it is possible to eliminate cervical cancer. The single-dose recommendation gives us the opportunity to reach our goal of having 90 percent of 15-year-old girls vaccinated by 2030 more quickly,” says Dr. Princess Nothemba (Nono) Simelela from the WHO.
RKI: Most become infected “at least once in a lifetime”
Although there is a vaccine that according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) protects “almost 100 percent” from infection with HPV viruses, 340,000 people died from cervical cancer worldwide in 2020 alone. According to the RKI, a large part of the population becomes infected with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus “at least once in their lives, usually soon after starting sexual activity”.
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) therefore recommends an appropriate vaccination before the first sexual contact. This should ideally take place between the ages of nine and fourteen. Incidentally, the recommendation applies not only to girls, but also to boys since 2018. Because HPV viruses can also cause tumors in men, for example in the mouth, throat, genital and anal areas.
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Updated on 4/4/2022 at 5:39 p.m
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