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The introduction of policies for human papillomavirus vaccination in Europe

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Abstract

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines represent a major advance in the prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. The availability of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening creates the unique opportunity to combine primary and secondary prevention of a cancer. HPV vaccination is currently being adopted in Europe at a faster rate than has been seen with most previous vaccines.

Aims and methods

This article analyses the reasons for the rapid and broad access to this cancer prevention measure to illustrate the new sociopolitical environment that drives vaccination policies in the 21st century.

Results

The promise of this intervention to prevent infection by the virus that can cause these diseases in young women created an environment receptive to vaccination. However, it was robust data generated by research specifically targeted to public health needs that have convinced various stakeholders to advocate, license, recommend, and fund vaccination. It was not just the usual host of actors who rallied to this process: early support for decision-making came from experts and scientific societies, patient and women’s groups, and policy makers at the EU and national levels. Implementation now looms as the greatest challenge to vaccine uptake, in particular in the adolescent target group. Determinants of successful implementation include well-informed healthcare professionals who in turn can educate parents and adolescents on the infectious disease, its consequences, and the efficacy and safety of vaccination, and successful provision of equitable access to vaccination. The integration of vaccination and screening must also be carefully managed and adapted to the situation in each country.

Conclusion

Inevitably, the impact of this promising public health intervention will depend upon the continuing engagement of all stakeholders to maintain interest and confidence in vaccination.

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Conflict of interest statement

PVD and EJ have received funding through their respective institutions to do vaccine clinical trials for several vaccine companies. SP has received funds through his institution to perform clinical studies with both HPV vaccines and to participate in scientific advisory boards for both vaccine companies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, (WHO Collaborating Centre), Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, Campus 3 Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium

    Pierre Van Damme

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Gynaecologic Oncology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

    Sergio Pecorelli

  3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Elmar A. Joura

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  1. Pierre Van Damme
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  2. Sergio Pecorelli
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  3. Elmar A. Joura
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Correspondence to Pierre Van Damme.

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Van Damme, P., Pecorelli, S. & Joura, E.A. The introduction of policies for human papillomavirus vaccination in Europe. J Public Health 16, 291–298 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-008-0206-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-008-0206-9

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