How does the HPV vaccine provide herd protection in Sweden?

High HPV vaccination coverage in Sweden led to reduced HPV infections and pre-cancerous lesions even among unvaccinated girls, demonstrating a herd effect.

What is the cervical cancer situation in India?

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women, affecting 1.25 lakh and causing 75,000 deaths annually.

What coverage is needed for India's HPV vaccination program?

India aims for at least 70% HPV vaccination coverage for girls aged 9-14 to ensure population-wide protection.

Home / Health / HPV Vaccine Herd Effect Saves Unvaccinated Girls

HPV Vaccine Herd Effect Saves Unvaccinated Girls

12 Jan

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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.

HPV Vaccine Herd Effect Saves Unvaccinated Girls

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.