Papillomavirus vaccine: a quarter of French people are reluctant

Approximately 6300 cases of cancer related to human papillomaviruses (HPV) are diagnosed each year in France, causing nearly 3,000 deaths. To limit the risks, there is a simple gesture: vaccination.

According to a survey OpinionWay for the League Against Cancer, a quarter of French people (24%) are not convinced by the vaccination of girls against papillomaviruses. For the boys, this percentage is 30%.

A lack of awareness and information among parents

One in two parents (51%) claims to be ill-informed about the risks associated with papillomaviruses. Among parents of children under 10, this percentage rises to 58%. However, the vast majority (81%) parents of children between 11 and 19 years old, therefore old enough to be vaccinated, say they are ready to vaccinate their child if their general practitioner recommends it.

Some parents are wary about vaccinating their child. For 43% of parentsthis vaccine lacks evidence of its effectiveness. 41% believe that we “lack of hindsight on the long-term effects”. The lack of information about the vaccine and the fear of side effects such as allergies or infertility puts off 36% of parents.

In total, 28% of respondents say they oppose HPV vaccination. Among this panel, 46% believe that we lack hindsight. 41% fear side effects and for 39% of them, there is no evidence of its effectiveness. A feeling exacerbated by the pandemic, “44% say their level of confidence in vaccination has dropped since the Covid-19 crisis; they are 54% among parents”specifies the League against cancer in a press release.

“These results are alarming: they demonstrate the existing misunderstandings about HPV infections and vaccines. (…) We must redouble our efforts to preserve the health of the people concerned, particularly in the current health context which exacerbates mistrust towards vaccinations”alert in a press release Daniel Nizri, volunteer president of the League against cancer.

unvaccinated boys

“Approximately 80% of women and men will be exposed to these viruses during their lifetime”, warns the League in a press release. In Sweden, in young girls vaccinated before the age of 17, precancerous lesions are reduced by 75%; in Australia, since 2005, the vaccine has been given to boys and girls. Result ? “The proportion of people infected with HPV has increased from 23% to 1.5% in 10 years“specifies the League.

In France, vaccination coverage is still below the target of the 2014-2019 cancer plan. 41% of 15 year olds received a dose in 2020versus 35% in 2019. Only 33% of teenagers have the full regimen at age 16. “The proportion of boys vaccinated against HPV remains insignificant”alerts the League.