The demand for the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine in Upstate Joinville is higher among girls than among boys, according to the Department of Health. The target audience for the virus immunization campaign are children and adolescents aged 9 to 14 years.

According to the Ministry of Health, 19,276 girls from Joinville have been vaccinated so far, compared to 10,917 boys. This corresponds to 87.34% and 69.63% of target audiences, respectively.

The expansion of the vaccine offer for boys happened as recently as September 2022. Previously, the vaccine was shown to girls aged 9 to 14 years and boys aged 11 to 14 years. The vaccination schedule is two doses with an interval of six months between doses.

Another population group that can also receive the vaccine free of charge through the Unified Health System are people in special clinical condition groups aged 9 to 45 years (living with HIV/AIDS, transplanted solid organs or bone marrow). and cancer patients). For them, the schedule is three doses, regardless of age.

Vaccination against HPV is the most effective measure to prevent infection, it works against the most common types of HPV (6, 11, 16 and 18) that cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus and penis, as well as appearance. genital warts.

what is HPV

HPV is a common, easily spread virus that settles on the skin and mucous membranes of men and women. According to the Ministry of Health, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in both women and men. Most people are likely to contract at least one of several types of HPV during their lifetime.

There are over 200 types of HPV, 13 of which are oncogenic. The four most common types are preventable by vaccination and cause the vast majority of infection-related illnesses, which can be warts or even cancer.

HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers; types 6 and 11 for 90% of anogenital warts.

For the prevention of HPV, in addition to vaccination, it is also important to use condoms during sexual intercourse. For the prevention of cervical cancer, it is important that women who have already begun sexual activity periodically undergo a preventive gynecological examination (Pap smear).

The examination can reveal the precursors of cervical cancer, which can be treated before they develop. When these pre-cancer changes are detected and treated, 100% of cases can be prevented.