In all European countries, HPV vaccination is provided by the state for both girls and boys. The exception is Bulgaria and so far also Estonia. Allowing boys to be vaccinated against HPV would help reduce the risk of anal, penile and head and neck cancers. Since HPV is a contact infection, vaccinating kids also helps prevent cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer.
According to family doctor Piret Rospu, member of the immunoprophylaxis expert committee, we have few options for cancer prevention other than a healthy lifestyle. “Vaccination against cancer-causing viruses is a simple, effective and safe way to reduce the risk of many different cancers. Researchers predict that if 80% of boys and girls were vaccinated against HPV, it would be possible to practically eliminate the circulation of high-cancer-risk papillomaviruses among the population.”
“Although vaccination will continue to take place preferably at the age of 12-14, from next year it will be possible to get vaccinated for free up to the age of 18 (also). “We see that vaccination coverage is higher among 14-year-olds than among 12-year-olds. However, many families become interested in vaccination only when their children turn 15-16, when previously vaccination was paid for. The expansion of the age range of national vaccination allows us to protect a greater number of young people”, explained Dr. Piret Rospu the commission’s decision.
Gynecologist Dr. Piret Veerus noted that increasing vaccination coverage is particularly important because Estonia is at the forefront of cervical cancer incidence in Europe. “In Estonia, more than 300 cases of cancer of different locations caused by HPV are diagnosed every year. Added to these are cases of precancerous conditions and genital warts,” he cited Dr. Piret Veerus as an example and added: “Since the vaccination course with one dose showed sufficient effectiveness, it was decided to continue mainly with one dose. In other words, the new strategy is to reach more young people and now even kids can protect themselves and their future partners from the virus that causes cancer.”
2023-12-06 08:04:00
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