Starting July 15th, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is extending the HPV vaccination age for children from 10 to 14 years old.
“With this update, not only 9-year-old boys as established in 2023, but also boys from 9 to 14 years old and girls from 9 to 17 years old will be eligible to receive a single dose of the vaccine and gain protection once morest the various cancers associated with this virus,” stated the Ministry of Health.
“Men should also be vaccinated because they are carriers and transmit the virus. HPV cancer will only be reduced if both men and women are vaccinated,” said the Minister of Health Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo.
HPV is the cause of various types of cancer, including cervical, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancer, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates for women and becoming a global public health priority.
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Currently, over 100 types of HPV are identified, with most being harmless and some causing genital warts. However, approximately 30 types are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common type of cancer in women.
According to Globocan, in 2022, 2,435 women in Colombia died from cervical cancer, and 4,570 new cases were detected.
The cervical cancer vaccine is most effective when administered at an early age, which is why the National Committee on Immunization Practices (CNPI), which links scientific and academic organizations in the country with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, recommends it.
The vaccine is available in Colombia and has excellent safety profiles. It’s approved by Invima and recommended by the CNPI, the Colombian Society of Pediatrics, the Colombian Association of Infectology, the National Cancer Institute, the Colombian League to Tell Cancer, and other scientific and academic societies.
“The HPV vaccine is available at over 3,000 healthcare points across the country for boys ages 9 to 14 and girls ages 9 to 17, regardless of their membership or immigration status,” the Ministry of Health pointed out.
Colombia Expands HPV Vaccination Program for Children and Adolescents
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection in Colombia has announced an expansion of its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program, extending the target age group for boys and girls. Starting July 15, 2023, boys aged 9 to 14 and girls aged 9 to 17 will be eligible to receive a single dose of the HPV vaccine.
Expanded Protection Against HPV-Related Cancers
This expansion aims to provide broader protection once morest various cancers linked to the HPV virus, including cervical, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of vaccinating both boys and girls, as men can also be carriers and transmit the virus.
“Men should also be vaccinated because they are carriers and transmit the virus. HPV cancer will only be reduced if men and women are protected with the vaccine,” said Minister of Health Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo.
The Significance of HPV Vaccination
HPV is a common virus that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. While most HPV types are harmless, some strains are known to cause various cancers.
According to Globocan, in 2022, 2,435 women in Colombia died from cervical cancer, and 4,570 new cases were identified.
Key Points regarding HPV and Vaccination:
- Over 100 HPV types are recognized.
- Some HPV types cause genital warts.
- Approximately 30 HPV types are linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer.
- The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered at a young age.
Availability and Safety of the HPV Vaccine in Colombia
The HPV vaccine is readily available in Colombia at over 3,000 healthcare points across the country. It is approved by the Colombian National Drug and Food Surveillance Institute (Invima) and recommended by the National Committee on Immunization Practices (CNPI), as well as by numerous scientific and academic societies.
Safety and Approval:
- The HPV vaccine has excellent safety profiles.
- It is approved by Invima and recommended by CNPI.
- It is endorsed by various healthcare organizations, including the Colombian Society of Pediatrics, the Colombian Association of Infectology, the National Cancer Institute, and the Colombian League to Tell Cancer.
Access for All Children and Adolescents
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the HPV vaccine is available to all boys aged 9 to 14 and girls aged 9 to 17, regardless of their insurance status or immigration status.
“The HPV vaccine is available at more than 3,000 points of care across the country for boys ages 9 to 14 and girls ages 9 to 17, regardless of their membership status or immigration status,” the Ministry of Health stated.
Taking Advantage of the Expanded Program
This expansion of the HPV vaccination program represents a significant step toward reducing the burden of HPV-related cancers in Colombia. By ensuring access for all children and adolescents, the Ministry of Health is promoting preventive healthcare and safeguarding the health of future generations.
Key Takeaway:
The expanded HPV vaccination program in Colombia offers boys and girls aged 9 to 17 the opportunity to be protected once morest HPV-related cancers. The vaccine is available, safe, and accessible to all, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Encourage eligible children and adolescents to take advantage of this crucial preventive measure.
For more information on the HPV vaccine and the expanded program, please visit the website of the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
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