Striking Results in HPV Vaccine: Risk of Death Reduced to Almost Zero

Recent scientific research has revealed that the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine administered during childhood almost completely eliminates the risk of death from cervical cancer. According to the study, the likelihood of women who received this vaccine at the age of 12-13 dying from cervical cancer before the age of 30 drops to zero. While these striking findings have generated great excitement in the medical world, the importance of vaccination has been emphasized once again. The tremendous protection provided by this simple precaution taken at an early age against deadly types of cancer that can emerge in adulthood has garnered widespread international attention. Scientists state that this data reveals how vital it is to make the HPV vaccine a standard healthcare practice worldwide.

The benefits provided by the HPV vaccine are not limited to cervical cancer; it also acts as a strong shield against many different types of cancer. According to experts' explanations, the vaccine plays a major role in preventing cases of anal cancer, which is seen in both women and men. In addition, it provides a high level of protection against some types of penile cancer seen in men and HPV-related mouth and throat cancers. Furthermore, it is considered a highly effective measure against genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus and can be difficult to treat. In order to benefit from this broad-spectrum protective effect, some developed countries, such as the United Kingdom, expanded their vaccination programs in 2019, including boys as well as girls in their national immunization schedules.

Scientists and public health experts argue that vaccinating boys is a critical strategy for public health. This is because vaccinating only women paves the way for the virus to continue circulating through men and indirectly infecting women again. Vaccinating men as well significantly breaks the general circulation of the virus in society, cutting the chain of transmission at its root. This situation guarantees not only individual protection but also the achievement of community immunity (herd immunity). Experts state that this approach could help HPV-related diseases completely become a thing of the past in the coming years.

Despite these positive scientific developments, the issue has become a major subject of debate on the Turkey agenda; because the HPV vaccine is still not included in the national childhood immunization schedule in Turkey. Not covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK) as a routine healthcare service, this vaccine creates a serious financial burden for families. Citizens who wish to be vaccinated must personally purchase the medication from pharmacies with a prescription. Even though the purchased vaccine can be administered at family health centers and various health institutions, the cost of the vaccine is entirely covered by the citizen. This situation leads to families with low-income levels being unable to protect their children against these deadly diseases, deepening inequality.

Prof. Dr. Alpay Azap, President of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB), who drew attention to the importance of the issue, stated that Turkey is very late regarding the HPV vaccine. Reminding that 147 countries worldwide administer this vaccine as part of their expanded immunization programs, Azap stated that about 50 countries vaccinate both boys and girls. For years in Turkey, professional organizations, women's rights advocates, and various civil society organizations have been fighting intensely for the vaccine to be included in the national schedule and to be provided free of charge. Advocates emphasize that the cost of the vaccine is the biggest obstacle to public health and that it must be urgently financed by the state. It is acknowledged that this practice, which will save human lives as well as early diagnosis and treatment expenses, is one of the most long-term and smartest investments that can be made in public health.