Vaccination against papillomavirus is possible in France for girls and boys. It mainly protects against the risk of cancer.
Every year in France, more than 6,000 new cases of cancer and 30,000 precancerous lesions of the cervix are caused by papillomaviruses. If three quarters of these cancers concern women (primarily cervical cancer), a quarter of them occur in humans (mainly ENT cancers). Vaccination against papillomavirus has been possible in France since 2007 for girls and 2021 for boys but the vaccination coverage rate remains insufficient according to health authorities: 37% for girls and 9% for boys. The objective is to reach a rate of 80%. As requested by Emmanuel Macron, the Ministry of Health has launched a vaccination campaign for middle school students in 5th grade since the start of the 2023 school year.
The role of vaccines is to trigger the production of antibodies against HPV
The HPV vaccine is recommended in girls and boys between 11 and 14 years old (catch-up is possible up to age 19). The aim of vaccination is to prevent papillomavirus infection during future sexual intercourse. “The role of vaccines is to trigger the production of specific antibodies against each of the HPV viruses” explains the Medicines Agency. The vaccine protects against the majority of papillomaviruses responsible for cancer of the cervix, anus, vulva and vagina. It also protects against the appearance of anogenital warts.
What vaccines are given to children?
Two vaccines are available:
- Cervarix : against papillomavirus types 16 and 18.
- Gardasil 9 : against types 16, 18 + 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.
Vaccines are not interchangeable. A vaccination started with one must be finished with the same. The High Council of Public Health recommends initiating a new vaccination with Gardasil 9 for the unvaccinated. “Gardasil 9 targets HPV responsible for 90% of cervical cancers, 80% of anal cancers and 90% of anogenital warts (condyloma)” informs the Ministry of Health. There is no no reminder. 2 or 3 injections are enough depending on age.
Is parental consent required?
Yes, “the agreement of both parents is necessary to carry out this vaccination” at school, we can read on the government website.
How many doses?
► Nonavalent vaccine (Gardasil 9®) : Vaccination initiated in girls and boys:
- Between 11 and 14 years of age: two doses spaced 5 to 13 months apart.
- Between 15 and 19 years of age: three doses administered according to a 0, 2 and 6 month schedule.
► Bivalent vaccine: (Cervarix®): to be used only in girls for a vaccination schedule initiated with this vaccine
- Between 11 and 14 years of age: two doses spaced 6 months apart.
- Between 15 and 19 years of age: three doses administered according to a 0, 1 and 6 month schedule.
Is vaccination free?
Yes, vaccination against papillomavirus is free for children.
How effective is the HPV vaccine?
Studies conducted in Australia, the United States and France estimated the effectiveness of vaccines against HPV infections between 86% and 96% among women, reports the National Medicines Agency. An international analysis published in 2014 showed a effectiveness against high-grade precancerous lesions between 84% and 94%. In men, an international trial involving 4,055 men aged 16 to 26 showed an effectiveness of almost 90% to prevent anogenital warts (sexually transmitted) caused by HPV viruses (types 6, 11, 16, 18). “Overall, the results show that the vaccine is most effective when administered before the start of sexual life“ confirms the ANSM. After the injection, the most common side effects are pain, redness, swelling or bruising at the injection sitesometimes associated with fever, headache, nausea, muscle or joint pain.