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10-year-old boys will also receive the vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) in social security. The National Vaccination and Epidemiology Commission (CNVE) approved including this population within the basic scheme starting this year, although the start date has not yet been specified.
The decision was made unanimously and was finalized in agreement #5 of the minutes of Session 03-2024.
So far, only girls of this age they had received the vaccine in the public systemmen and women of other ages had to buy it in pharmacies and private offices.
As confirmed by the Ministry of Health to La Nación, by 2024 it is expected to vaccinate approximately 36,000 children.
“The CNVE has already sent the letter to the Medical Management of the CCSS, communicating the agreement indicating that children must be vaccinated against HPV,” highlighted the response given by email.
At the moment, it has not been indicated how much the investment will be to acquire this vaccine nor have the details of the campaign to apply the drug been given. The Nation requested the information from the CCSS, but the Epidemiological Surveillance Subarea responded that it has not received the formal agreement.
“Once you enter, the corresponding analyzes will be carried out,” he responded.
More than 40 countries already include vaccination of men in their pre-adolescence. Among them are Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the United States and Panama.
READ MORE: How much do men get infected with papilloma? International study explored it
How does this virus affect?
Vaccination against this virus is essential. HPV is directly related to cancer of the cervix, as well as vulva, anus, larynx and oropharynx. It also causes penile cancer and genital warts.
Nearly 80% of the Costa Rican population has had an infection with this virus at some point.but infection is not synonymous with disease or a precancerous lesion.
In the vast majority of cases, the microorganism remains inactive for years, without causing injury. This allows the body to mount its defense system and antibodies that allow them to attack the virus and eliminate it; For this reason, infections are usually temporary.
However, the presence of the virus in the body can cause the person to be a transmitter to their sexual partners and cause them to develop an injury or illness. In this case, the vaccination in men could avoid infections in them and subsequently transmit it to future sexual partners and avoid cervical cancer in them.
According to the Ministry of Health, in the first 13 weeks of 2024 (ending March 30), 99 cases of HPV infections have been reported with a rate of 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. However, it must be taken into account that this is under-reporting, given that the majority of infections can go unnoticed.
97% of cases occurred in people between 20 and 64 years old. This may be because the virus can take years to manifest and cause lesions.
76.77% of cases were reported in women. This may also be due to the fact that they are more prone to developing lesions from the virus and seeking a diagnosis of an infection more.
READ MORE: What is human papillomavirus and what is its relationship with cancer?
What is this vaccine like?
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) uses the Gardasil 4 vaccine, from the pharmaceutical company MSD. This biological protects against types 6, 11, 16 and 18 of HPV. The product consists of two doses, given six months apart with an intramuscular injection.
Types 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases, 75% to 80% of anal tumors, 70% of precancerous lesions of the vulva and vagina, and 75% of precancerous lesions of the anus.
For their part, types 6 and 11 are responsible for approximately 90% of genital warts.
READ MORE: Papilloma vaccine is safe, effective and necessary, says Cancer Research Agency
