- Poland joins the elite, the most developed countries that have already covered a significant portion of the population with HPV vaccination, stresses Professor Andrzej Nowakowski of the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Institute of Oncology. He adds that the vaccines have been thoroughly tested, reduce the risk of cancers caused by these viruses and do not cause any late post-vaccination reactions or any negative health effects.
HPV vaccination of boys and girls begins
Published June 1, 2023 10:41
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The HPV vaccines used in the universal vaccination program are the 2-valent Cervarix and the 9-valent Gardasil 9, with varying degrees of protection. The vaccination schedule for both vaccines is a two-dose schedule. The recommended interval between doses is 6 months. The parent has the right and opportunity to choose the vaccine and consult with the doctor. Both are well tolerated and safe. They are widely used in 125 countries.
A dangerous virus
Of the more than 200 types of human papillomavirus HPV, some are highly carcinogenic. HPV infection is primarily associated with cervical cancer, but also vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, penile cancer, as well as anal cancer and cancers of the head and neck (including cancer of the larynx) Some types of HPV also cause recurrent bothersome condylomas in intimate areas which is why vaccination of boys is also so important,. Infection most often occurs through the sexual route. According to a report by British researchers published in the British Medical Journal (Mehanna, H. et al: Oropharyngeal carcinoma related to human papillomavirus BMJ, 340 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.c1439), the number of malignant tumors occurring in the oral part of the throat has increased by about 50% over the past 20 years. Researchers at the Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education in Coventry point out that such a significant increase is caused by the human papillomavirus HPV. In countries that have introduced HPV vaccination, the number of infections has dropped by up to 90%.
Not just for girls
Boys can also be vaccinated free of charge, because HPV does not only cause cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers, but also anal, head and neck cancers. It's best to vaccinate a child before they can come into contact with the virus. That's why the Ministry of Health has launched a free HPV vaccination program for girls and boys aged 12-13 (in 2023, that's all children born in 2010 and 2011).
Enrollment has begun
As of May 27, it is now possible to register your child for vaccination. You can make an appointment by calling 989 (7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.), through the Internet Patient Account or directly at the point. Vaccination starts on June 1 this year. The vaccine is free for girls and boys aged 12 and 13. Vaccination is also available for older teenagers, but then it will not be free.
How do I enroll my child for HPV vaccination?
- Log in to your Internet Patient Account (IKP)
- Open the "Entitlements" tab and then: "Your children's accounts".
- Click your child's account, select: "Prevention" and then: "Immunization".
- Select the option: "Make an appointment for vaccination".
- In the next step, choose what the vaccination is about, the date and place of vaccination and finally the type of vaccine (2 or 9 valent)
You can read more about HPV vaccination on the Ministry of Health website TU.
