According to a circular from the Ministry of Health , the HPV vaccine will officially be included in the Expanded Immunization Program starting July 1, 2026. Regulations stipulate that girls aged 9 to under 15 will receive the HPV vaccine free of charge. This age group is considered by experts to offer the most effective protection because most children have not yet been exposed to the HPV virus.
Initially, the vaccine being used is Gardasil 4, which protects against four HPV strains: 6, 11, 16, and 18. The program prioritizes girls in disadvantaged, remote, and rural areas, with approximately 18,900 12-year-old girls receiving the vaccine annually in the initial phase.
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| The HPV vaccine is most effective in preventing the disease in children aged 9 to 14 years. |
The inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the national immunization program for the first time is considered a significant milestone in Vietnam's preventive healthcare . This policy not only increases access to vaccines for children, especially in disadvantaged areas, but also opens up the prospect of significantly reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the future.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HPV is a sexually transmitted virus with over 100 different types. It is the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer and is also associated with many other dangerous diseases such as vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as genital warts.
Experts believe that the HPV vaccine is most effective in preventing the disease in children aged 9 to 14. Dr. Le Thi Giao Thi, from the Long Chau Pharmacy and Vaccination Center system, stated that this is the period when children have not yet been exposed to the virus through sexual contact, so their immune system produces the strongest antibodies.
For children aged 9 to 14, only two doses administered six months apart are needed for optimal protection. In contrast, those who begin vaccinations after age 14 typically require three doses within six months to achieve the same level of protection.
"The earlier vaccines are administered, especially between the ages of 9 and 14, the more effective they are in preventing disease, protecting the body from an early age, and simultaneously saving costs by eliminating one injection," said Dr. Le Thi Giao Thi.
According to experts, the inclusion of Gardasil 4 in the Expanded Immunization Program is a crucial first step towards expanding vaccine coverage in the community. However, with the advancement of science, people now have the additional option of Gardasil 9, a vaccine capable of preventing up to nine strains of HPV.
While Gardasil 4 protects against four common HPV strains (6, 11, 16, and 18), Gardasil 9 expands its protection to five additional high-risk HPV strains: 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. These strains are all associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer and other malignancies.
According to experts, Gardasil 9 is currently the broadest-spectrum HPV vaccine, with over 90% effectiveness in both men and women. Notably, the vaccine is indicated for individuals aged 9 to 45, expanding protection opportunities for a wider range of people.
Not only women, but men can also be infected with HPV and develop related diseases such as genital warts, anal cancer, or oropharyngeal cancer. Therefore, many countries around the world have now implemented HPV vaccination for boys to reduce the risk of virus transmission in the community and increase herd immunity.
According to Dr. Le Thi Giao Thi, in addition to providing a full range of popular HPV vaccines such as Gardasil 4 and Gardasil 9, the Long Chau Vaccination System also offers personalized consultations for each customer group, from adolescents and young women to men who need HPV-related disease prevention. People undergo thorough screening before vaccination and are monitored during and after vaccination according to strict safety procedures to ensure effectiveness and minimize adverse reactions.
Experts emphasize that the free rollout of the HPV vaccine is a huge opportunity to increase vaccination coverage and reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the future.
Source: https://baodautu.vn/nhung-ai-duoc-tiem-vac-xin-hpv-mien-phi-d609097.html
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