Human papillomavirus vaccination - limatations and opportunities in countries with low vaccine coverage

• Published in: Przegląd epidemiologiczny Vol. 75; no. 4; p. 537
• Main Authors: Sypień, Piotr, Zielonka, Tadeusz M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Poland 2021
• Subjects: education; health policy; vaccines; human papillomavirus infections
• ISSN: 0033-2100
• DOI: 10.32394/pe.75.50

Persistent infection with oncogenic Human papillomavirus (HPV) types can lead to neoplasms involving urogenital and laryngeal tumors, which account for approximately 5% of all cancers worldwidely. Effective measures to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with HPV cancers are regular examinations including the Papanicolaou test and preventive vaccination. However, despite the registration of the first HPV vaccine already in 2006, there is still huge disparity in the vaccination coverage between countries. In Poland, vaccination coverage is still very low in comparison to other European Union countries (only a few percent). Constraints exist on the part of the state and health system organizations, as well as in the attitudes of health professionals and parents. One of the primary factors influencing the decision to vaccinate against HPV is the presence of the vaccine in The National Immunization Program, while often with financial support. Formalization of vaccination also forces physicians to be more attentive to informing and recommending immunization, increasing their level of education. The role of medical workers is crucial from a social point of view. For parents, an adequate discussion with the physician is a vital factor influencing HPV vaccination decisions. At the same time, health care workers express the need to change their work organization due to insufficient time for health promotion and prophylaxis during visits. A thorough understanding of the barriers can allow for the development of effective strategies to increase vaccination coverage.