A focus on HPV vaccination
31.01.2024
Let us all be #UnitedInProtection. Vaccination of girls and boys against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can prevent infections and related diseases. HPV infections can lead to genital warts, cervical and other forms of cancer. Vaccination should be combined with routine cervical screening. Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan is supporting efforts to extend routine vaccination against human papillomaviruses of girls and boys.
Visit websiteCancer prevention – action to promote vaccination against cancer-causing viruses
31.01.2024
One of 10 flagship initiatives in the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan is to support Member State efforts to extend routine vaccination against viruses that can cause cancers later in life. The Commission will propose actions to increase the uptake of vaccination against the Hepatitis B virus and human papillomaviruses. These actions will include reducing physical obstacles to vaccination, targeted communication, and fighting mis- and disinformation.
Visit websiteEuropean Commission publishes proposal for a Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers
31.01.2024
On 31 January 2024, the European Commission published the text of a proposed Council of the EU Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers. The purpose of the Recommendation is to assist EU Member States in working together to address cancer risks associated with Hepatitis B (HBV) and Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. HPV infection may cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers and HBV infection may cause liver cancer.
Visit websiteHPV World - Interview with K Canfell - Part II
16.01.2024
In the context of the WHO cervical cancer elimination campaign (90% vaccination, 70% HPV screening, 90% treatment), which are important proposals related to HPV vaccination: required levels of female vaccine coverage? Added value of including routine vaccination of boys? Predictions on the protection afforded by one-dose vaccination?
Visit websiteHPV World - Interview with K Canfell - Part I
16.01.2024
Simulation models are essential to understand the future impact of cancer control interventions, especially when primary data are limited or long-term follow-up is lacking. Models are still perceived by some as too speculative to inform clinical decisions, but there is emerging understanding of the important role of comprehensive models.
Visit websiteHPV World - Strengthening HPV Vaccination Coverage, Data Quality, and Communication in Europe with project PERCH
15.01.2024
Although highly preventable through HPV vaccination and screening, cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in Europe. In 2020, according to data from the Global Cancer Observatory, it was the 9th most common female cancer in Europe, with approximately 58,169 new cases and 25,989 deaths. Although HPV vaccines have been available since 2006, both introduction and coverage still do not reach optimal levels. These disparities highlight the urgent need to address the prevention and management of cervical cancer in Europe. In an effort to address preventable cervical cancers and other HPV-related cancers and health-disparities, the European PartnERship to Contrast HPV (PERCH) was funded as a Joint Action project by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) in November 2022.
Visit websiteHPV World: Interventions that improve HPV vaccination uptake and intention: an umbrella review summary
15.01.2024
When looking at studies about vaccination uptake, we found that various methods were used to encourage people to be vaccinated. These methods included things like educational programmes, using technology to provide information, sending reminders, and offering rewards or incentives to individuals. In the educational programmes, some of the important things that affected their impact were the timing of the intervention, how information was given and who gave it. Other ways of encouraging people to get vaccinated involved a combination of approaches, with strategies involving healthcare providers (professional education, using electronic health record reminders, vaccination coordinators, making home visits, using health information technology systems, nurse directives or protocols regarding HPV and having pre-written consent forms ready), public health initiatives and radio broadcasts which looked to effect change at both organisational and community level.
Visit websiteHPV World - Supporting adolescents in providing consent within the English HPV vaccination programme
15.12.2023
Three vaccines are available that protect against the high-risk HPV types that are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers. In England, adolescents are usually offered the HPV vaccine when they are aged 12-13 years old, as it is most effective if administered before sexual debut. Until recently, uptake of the schools-based HPV vaccination programme exceeded the 80% level required to have a significant impact on cervical cancer deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to delivery of the vaccination programme, and national uptake figures remain below 70%. Supporting more adolescents to provide consent could help restore uptake of the HPV vaccination programme to pre-pandemic levels.
Visit websiteGendered aspects of sexual and reproductive health
13.12.2023
This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), contributes to assessing the state of sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights in the EU. It assesses the regulatory and policy frameworks that ensure access to affordable and quality reproductive care services in the Member States and the support provided by the EU.
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