Mandatory vaccinations against HPV. The Ministry of Health wants to cover children aged 9-15

Expanding the catalog of diseases covered by mandatory vaccinations to include human papillomavirus (HPV) infections from the age of 9 to the age of 15 – is assumed in the draft amendment to the regulation of the Ministry of Health published on Monday.

The draft amendment to the regulation on mandatory vaccinations has been published on the website of the Government Legislation Center.

The regulation assumes, among others: expanding the catalog of diseases subject to mandatory vaccination to include human papillomavirus (HPV) infections from the age of 9 to the age of 15 (covering the population of people born in 2018 with vaccination).

The justification for the project indicated that the aim of the changes is to prevent cancers (such as cervical cancer) caused by the HPV virus and the need to ensure a higher percentage of children vaccinated.

Currently, free HPV vaccinations are available to children and adolescents aged 9-14. They are voluntary and can be performed at any family doctor's office, and, since September last year, also at school.

The authors of the project reminded that HPV infection occurs sexually, most often in the initial period after sexual activity begins. Infections are transmitted by people of both sexes. Over the course of their lives, 80 percent sexually active women and men have been or will be infected with HPV. HPV infections can also lead to cancer of the anus, vagina, vulva, penis, oropharyngeal space, and head and neck areas. All cases of cervical cancer are preceded by chronic HPV infection.

According to the estimates given in the project justification, there are approximately 300 million new HPV infections in people every year in the world, the vast majority of which are asymptomatic, do not cause any lesions and heal on their own. It is estimated that in the world approximately 690 thousand (and in our country over 3,000) cancer cases are related to HPV infections.

The Ministry of Health explained that vaccination against HPV is most effective if it occurs before potential exposure, which occurs mainly through sexual contact. The Ministry of Health emphasized that the effectiveness of the vaccine is highest in the youngest age groups, therefore vaccination should be carried out before sexual initiation, i.e. before potential contact with the virus.

In addition, the project envisages expanding the catalog of diseases covered by mandatory vaccinations to include invasive Neisseria meningitidis infections. They will be for people up to 19 years of age – who have not been vaccinated against invasive Neisseria meningitidis type B and ACWY infections – from risk groups, similarly to invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal vaccinations, and people born to mothers infected with HIV.

The regulation also assumes, among others, postponing the date of the second booster dose of pertussis vaccination from the current age of 14 to the age of 12.

Additionally – according to the project – a third booster dose of vaccination against pertussis will be introduced for people over 17 years of age, instead of the third booster dose against tetanus and diphtheria.

The draft assumes that the regulation will enter into force on January 1, 2026, with the exception of the provisions regarding vaccinations against HPV and Neisseria meningitidis infection, which will enter into force on January 1, 2027. (PAP)

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