Parent Education About Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and is the primary cause of cervical cancer. According to World Health Organization (WHO) systems, there were approximately 660,000 new cases of cervical cancer and 350,000 deaths in 2022. In Turkey, the prevalence of cervical cancer was reported as 8,761 in the last five years. HPV vaccines are safe and effective in preventing HPV transmission and cancer and are included in 147 national immunization programs; However, they have not yet been included in the national immunization program in Turkey. The WHO has reissued a regional strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, which includes vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15, screening 70% of women between the ages of 35 and 45, and increasing the treatment of 90% of precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine provides the highest protection before the onset of sexual activity, and ACIP recommends routine vaccination of all 11-12-year-olds (starting at age 9). Catch-up vaccination is recommended for individuals up to age 26 who have not been previously vaccinated. Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines have been licensed in Turkey since 2007; However, vaccination rates are limited by the vaccine not being covered by social security, its cost, the number of doses, and low parental awareness. The safety of HPV vaccines is regularly monitored by international organizations, with approximately 1.7 cases of anaphylaxis per million doses administered.