A vaccination against the papillomavirus or “HPV” will be offered at the start of the school year in September 2023 to middle school students in 5th grade, announced the Ministry of Health. The aim is to protect them from the later risk of cancer.
Virus transmitted during sexTHE papillomavirus or HPV (human papillomavirus) can stay asleep for years before waking up and lead to genital warts or more seriously cancer. Every year in France, more than 6,000 new cases of cancer And 30,000 precancerous lesions of the cervix are caused by papillomaviruses. If the three quarters of these cancers affect women (starting with the breast cancer cervix), A quarter of them occur in men (ENT cancers mostly). Vaccination against the papillomavirus is possible in France since 2007 for girls And 2021 for boys but the rate of vaccination coverage remains insufficient according to health authorities: 37% for girls and 9% for boys. The objective is to reach a rate of 80%. As announced by Emmanuel Macron in February 2023, the Ministry of Health throw a campaign vaccination for students in 5th grade from the return of September 2023. Several countries like Sweden, australia and the United Kingdom, have implemented HPV vaccination in schools,
The role of vaccines is to trigger the production of antibodies against HPV
The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys between 11 and 14 years old (a catch-up is possible until the age of 19). THE girls and boys enrolled in 5th grade at the start of the school year will thus be able to be vaccinated at school against the papillomavirus. The aim of vaccination is to prevent papillomavirus infection in future sexual intercourse. “The role of vaccines is to trigger the production of specific antibodies against each of the HPV viruses” explains theMedicines Agency. The vaccine protects against the majority of papillomaviruses responsible for cancer of the cervix, anus, vulva and vagina. It also protects against the appearance of anogenital warts.
What vaccines will be given to children?
Two vaccines are available:
- Cervarix : against types 16 and 18 of the papillomavirus.
- Gardasil 9 : against types 16, 18 + 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.
Vaccines are not interchangeable. A vaccination started with one must be finished with the same. The High Council for Public Health recommends initiating a new vaccination with Gardasil 9 for the unvaccinated. “Gardasil 9 targets the HPVs responsible for 90% of cervical cancers, 80% of anal cancers and 90% of anogenital warts (condyloma)” inform the Ministry of Health. There is no reminder. 2 or 3 injections are sufficient depending on age.
Will parental consent be required?
Yes, “the agreement of both parents will be necessary to carry out this vaccination” can we read on the government website.
Is vaccination free?
Yes, HPV vaccination is free for children.
Is the HPV vaccine compulsory?
No, the HPV vaccine is not on the list of 11 compulsory vaccines in France. The vaccination offered to the college from September 2023 will be based on the volunteering.
How effective is the HPV vaccine?
Studies conducted in Australia, the United States and France have estimated the effectiveness of vaccines against HPV infections between 86% and 96% in women, reports the National Medicines Agency. A international analysis published in 2014 showed a efficacy against high-grade precancerous lesions between 84% and 94%. In men, an international trial bringing together 4055 men aged 16 to 26, showed an effectiveness of nearly 90% to prevent ano-genital warts (sexually transmitted) caused by HPV viruses (types 6, 11, 16, 18). “Overall, the results show that the vaccine is more effective when given before the start of sexual life“ confirms theANSM. After the injection, the most common side effects are pain, redness, swelling or bruising at the injection sitesometimes associated with fever, headache, nausea, muscle or joint pain.