Brazil introduces HPV vaccination

Human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization will be offered to Brazilian girls aged between 11 and 13  starting on Monday (Mar. 10) to prevent cervical cancer. The government's goal is to vaccinate 80% of the target 5.2 million girls' population.

The vaccine offers protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 – types 16 and 18 account for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. In Brazil, it is the third most common type of cancer in women, behind breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

In 2015, the government plans to provide  the immunization to girls aged 9-11, and in 2016, to 9-year-old girls only.

For complete protection, patients should be administered three shots, with the second administered within six months of the first one, and the final five years of the first dose. The Ministry of Health has recommended administering the first shot at schools (both public and private), but immunization will also be available from community health centers throughout the country.

Translated by Mayra Borges/Augusto Queiroz