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Since the spring of 2022, the National Vaccination Program for children and adolescents has included vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) for boys aged 9 to 18. For girls, the vaccine has been offered free of charge for several years with spectacular results.

On the occasion of this specific event, it is worth mentioning the specific Human Papilloma Virus- HPV viruses due to their clear association with cervical cancer and the perineal area in general.

Although there are approximately 200 types of the virus, only 40 of them infect the anogenital area. Almost all sexually active people who have not been vaccinated will be infected with some type of HPV during their lifetime.

Most HPV infections are self-limiting. However, some strains of the virus can lead to specific types of cancer, such as cervical and vulvar cancer in women, penile cancer in men, and anal and oropharyngeal cancer in women and men.

Low-risk HPV types (6 and 11) are responsible for low-grade cervical cancer and genital warts. High-risk HPV types, mainly represented by types 16 and 18, are found in 75% of all cervical cancers.

In countries where universal vaccination has been implemented for 16 years, the rates of HPV infections responsible for genital warts and cancer have decreased by 88% in adolescent girls and 81% in young adult women.

The vaccination regimen includes 2 doses for children aged 9-15 and 3 doses for children over 15 to 26 years old. It should be emphasized that the HPV vaccine is fully reimbursed for boys and girls aged 15-18 until 31/12/2023. It is very important to note that vaccination should be completed before the start of sexual life.

Before vaccination, it is not necessary to perform a laboratory test (pap test, HPV DNA or serological test). The vaccine does not burden an already established infection while at the same time protecting against types of viruses to which the person has not been previously exposed.

Vaccination is safe, while any adverse reactions (local swelling and pain at the injection site, fever, dizziness, myalgia, nausea, headache) are mild and resolve within 24-48 hours.

The WHO accepts the position that cervical cancer will be eliminated as a global public health problem when all countries manage to have fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 women / year. This can be achieved through primary prevention with vaccination, screening with high-precision testing (HPV testing), appropriate treatment of precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer.

According to the plan, in order to achieve the elimination of cervical cancer by 2030, in each country 90% of girls up to 15 years of age should be fully vaccinated.

With the inclusion of boys in the free vaccination program, we should emphasize to parents the importance of preventing HPV infection. Vaccination is safe and has impressive results in preventing the appearance of warts and cancer at young ages.