The World Health Organization’s Immunization Expert Group (SAGE, its acronym in English) concluded after a recent evaluation of the human papillomavirus vaccine that a single dose was more effective than two or three injections. The World Health Organization says protection is strong against the virus that causes cervical cancer. The finding is important because it will allow more women to get vaccinated and thus improve disease prevention levels.
The recommendation for this new single dose “has the potential to reach our goal of vaccinating 90% of girls by the age of 15 by 2030,” said Dr. Notemba (Nono), WHO Deputy Director-General. Simela. Choosing a single dose is less expensive, requires less resources, and makes it easier to administer and track girls ’second injections.
In Spain, the vaccine is included in the vaccination calendar of all autonomous communities and is therefore given free of charge to girls aged 11 to 14, the age before sexual intercourse, the route of transmission of the virus. . In the case of children, the injection is beyond the official immunization program, except for some topics, although there are more and more voices recommending its introduction for boys as well. Including WHO.
However, vaccine coverage is unequal in countries around the world. Involvement in immunization programs is slow and coverage is low, especially in the poorest areas, recalls WHO.
SAGE calls on all countries to introduce HPV vaccines and give priority to catching missing and older cohorts of girls. “These recommendations will allow more girls and women to be vaccinated and thus prevent cervical cancer and its lifelong consequences,” said Dr. Alejandro Cravioto, president of the panel of experts. Cravioto noted that the vaccine “is very effective in preventing HPV 16 and 18 serotypes, which cause 70% of cervical cancers.”
The body of experts recommends one or two dose schedules for girls 9 to 20 years of age and two doses at six-month intervals for women over 21 years of age. People with immunosuppression, including those living with HIV, should take three doses. And if that’s impossible, two. There is limited evidence in this group about the effectiveness of a single injection, says the WHO. Global coverage in two doses in 2020 was only 13%, according to WHO data.
Source: El Diario
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
