Introduction to the New HPV Vaccination Recommendations
On May 16, 2025, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) in France issued a new recommendation to the Ministry of Health. The recommendation suggests expanding the catch-up vaccination program against human papillomavirus (HPV) to include all young adults up to the age of 26. This move aims to address the insufficient vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 11 to 14, which remains a priority. The French Society of Colposcopy and Cervico-Vaginal Pathology (SFCPCV) has welcomed this recommendation.
Current HPV Vaccination Guidelines in France
In France, the HPV vaccination is currently recommended for both girls and boys aged 11 to 14. Previously, catch-up vaccinations were limited to girls up to 19 years old, and only men who have sex with men were eligible for catch-up vaccination up to 26 years old. The question of whether to extend this catch-up to all young adults was raised by MSD, the holder of the Gardasil 9 vaccine market authorization, and the IMAGYN association. The HAS took it upon itself to evaluate this possibility.
Impact of HPV Infections
HPV infections are responsible for approximately 100,000 cases of anogenital warts, 35,000 precancerous lesions, and 6,400 cancer cases annually, with nearly half being cervical cancers. In 2023, there were 3,159 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed and 1,100 deaths recorded. Despite these figures, cervical cancer is preventable through effective screening and vaccination. France introduced HPV vaccination recommendations in 2007, initially targeting girls and later expanding to boys in 2021.
Challenges in Achieving Vaccination Goals
Despite improvements in vaccination coverage, particularly due to school-based vaccination campaigns, the rates remain insufficient. In 2024, only 48% of 16-year-old girls and 24.5% of boys had completed the full two-dose vaccination schedule. These figures fall short of the national target of 80% by 2030 and the WHO’s goal of 90% for 15-year-old girls.
Details of the Catch-Up Vaccination Program
The HAS recommends extending the catch-up vaccination with Gardasil 9 to young men and women up to 26 years old who were not vaccinated during adolescence. This recommendation is based on data showing significant vaccine efficacy even after the onset of sexual activity, although it is reduced, particularly after age 20. The SFCPCV notes that most European countries with high vaccination coverage have similar catch-up programs for young adults.
Addressing Missed Vaccinations
The extended vaccination period aims to cover missed vaccinations due to various reasons, including those not administered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Julia Maruani, Vice-President of the SFCPCV, highlighted that some young adults, once informed, wish to be vaccinated but were previously not reimbursed due to age restrictions. The cost of a single injection is approximately 110 euros.
Importance of Early Vaccination
The HAS and SFCPCV emphasize that the priority remains improving vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 11 to 14. The vaccine offers optimal protection when administered early, and delaying vaccination until adulthood is not recommended. A Swedish study published in 2020, which followed over 1.6 million young women, showed that the risk of invasive cervical cancer is lower in vaccinated women, with a more significant reduction in those vaccinated before age 17.
Conclusion
The new recommendation by the HAS to extend the HPV vaccination catch-up program to young adults up to 26 years old is a significant step towards improving public health. It addresses the gaps in vaccination coverage and provides an opportunity for those who missed earlier vaccinations to protect themselves against HPV-related diseases.
🔗 **Fuente:** https://francais.medscape.com/voirarticle/3612886