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HPV Vaccine Herd Effect Saves Unvaccinated Girls
12 Jan
Summary
- HPV vaccination programs show herd immunity benefits.
- Sweden study found reduced lesions in unvaccinated girls.
- India aims for 70% HPV vaccination coverage for protection.
A recent study from Sweden has provided compelling evidence of the herd-protective effect of HPV vaccination programs. Researchers observed a substantial reduction in high-grade cervical lesions among unvaccinated women, demonstrating that widespread vaccination benefits the entire population, not just those immunized.
This Swedish research tracked pre-cancerous lesions in unvaccinated women across different cohorts. The cohort that participated in a school-based vaccination program, achieving 80% coverage, showed a marked decrease in lesions compared to earlier cohorts with lower vaccination rates. This real-world evaluation underscores the public health value of expanding such initiatives.
These findings are particularly significant for India, where cervical cancer remains a pressing issue. As India plans its own school-based HPV vaccination program for girls aged nine to 14, aiming for at least 70% coverage is crucial to harness the herd effect and mitigate the incidence of cervical cancer and related HPV infections.
