Recommended: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Catch-Up Vaccination for Individuals up to 26 Years Old by Health Authorities (HAS)
The French Health Authority's Unexpected Step:
On a surprising Tuesday, May 13th, the French High Authority for Health (HAS) suggestedcatch-up HPV vaccinations up to the age of 26 for men and women, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, highlighting that the priority remains the immunization of adolescents aged 11 to 14.
Until now, catch-up HPV vaccinations were restricted to heterosexual individuals up to the age of 19, with an extension up to 26 for men who have sex with men. However, the HAS stated that they should broaden the catch-upHPV vaccinations with the Gardasil 9 vaccine for young men and women, whether vaccinated or not during adolescence, till the age of 26.
Health Minister Yannick Neuder applauded this development as an "expected step" and shared his intentions to act promptly on this recommendation. He emphasized the importance of early vaccination ( ages 11-14) while stressing the need to ensure that no one is left unprotected, aligning with France's ambition to achieve 80% HPV vaccination coverage by 2030.
HPV infection is responsible for approximately 6,400 new cancer cases annually, primarily cervical cancer, and 35,000 precancerous lesions, according to the HAS. Strengthening the anti-HPV catch-up strategy would serve as an additional prevention measure to reduce the prevalence of HPV viruses in the general population, they stated, addressing insufficient vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 11 to 14.
The French Academy of Medicine, along with other learned societies, medical associations, and healthcare professionals' unions, had previously recommended HPV vaccination up to the age of 26 for everyone in 2024 to expedite the elimination of papillomavirus-linked cancers.
With limited specifics regarding the HAS's recommendations, it is likely that their reasoning is in line with global strategies to prevent HPV-related diseases by ensuring widespread coverage and equal protection for both genders.
HPV Vaccination: The Foundation of Equal Protection
HPV vaccination ensures prevention of cervical cancer, which is primarily caused by high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Moreover, it guards against other HPV-related diseases like genital warts, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancers[3][4]. Equally, vaccinating both men and women helps halt the spread of HPV and reduce the risk of HPV-related diseases for both genders[1]. Effective community immunity is also accomplished when a considerable portion of the population is vaccinated, reducing the overall HPV prevalence in the population[1].
Thus, wide-ranging vaccination is a crucial step in reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases in adults and ensuring gender equality in vaccination programs. The implementation of catch-up vaccinations across the age spectrum enhances protection,, and promotes equity and access to healthcare in France.
- The French High Authority for Health (HAS) proposes catch-up HPV vaccinations for individuals up to the age of 26, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation.
- Until now, catch-up HPV vaccinations were only available for heterosexual individuals up to the age of 19, with an extension for men who have sex with men.
- Health Minister Yannick Neuder praises this development as an "expected step," stating his intent to act promptly on the HAS's recommendation.
- The primary focus remains the immunization of adolescents aged 11 to 14, but extended vaccination is crucial to ensure no one is left unprotected.
- HPV infection is responsible for about 6,400 new cancer cases annually, primarily cervical cancer, and 35,000 precancerous lesions.
- Strengthening the anti-HPV catch-up strategy aims to reduce the prevalence of HPV viruses in the general population.
- The French Academy of Medicine, along with other learned societies, medical associations, and healthcare professionals' unions, had previously recommended HPV vaccination up to the age of 26 for everyone by 2024.
- HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer, which is primarily caused by high-risk strains of HPV, as well as other HPV-related diseases like genital warts, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancers.
- Vaccinating both men and women helps halt the spread of HPV and reduces the risk of HPV-related diseases for both genders.
- Effective community immunity is achieved when a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, reducing the overall HPV prevalence.
- Wide-ranging vaccination is a critical step in reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases in adults and ensuring gender equality in vaccination programs.
- The implementation of catch-up vaccinations across the age spectrum enhances protection, promotes equity, and access to healthcare.
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