WHO guidelines look to simplify, shorten HPV vaccine regimen

In their efforts to control and cervical cancer prevention, the World Health Organization is to update the testing and vaccination guidelines for doctors and patients worldwide. Under the new guidelines, experts with the WHO recommended vaccine against HPV from a three-shot system are reduced to two shots calendar.

The human papillomavirus, or HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer - a type of cancer that kills about 270,000 people each year. Doctors say that the vast majority of these deaths are preventable because early vaccination can protect women against the virus that causes cancer.

"Who is the cervical cancer can be updated guidance for the world of difference between life and death for girls and women," said Dr. Nathalie Broutet, a major prevention and control against cervical cancer experts from WHO, said in a press release.

By reducing the number of doses required, doctors hope that the proportion of young women can be vaccinated to improve. According to WHO, new research suggests two doses of vaccine against HPV are as effective as three.

In addition to the preparation of the vaccination less time, the reduction of the dose is to reduce the cost. Health officials say it is, the rates of major screening and vaccination in developing countries where cervical cancer is the most important improvement.

Even in developed countries, where vaccination rates continue to fall behind, the need to support two shots probably consistent prevention measures. Only 57 percent of girls aged 13 to 17 years to be vaccinated in the United States each year. But to get a batch of only one or two shots, requiring them to complete all of the recommended dose.

In addition to reducing the number of vaccine injections, WHO recommends doctors use the HPV test for cancer screen every ten years. The organization also focuses on promoting greater awareness and education efforts to reach a wider audience - "youth, parents, educators, managers and employees at all levels of the health system. "

"There is no magic formula," Broutet said, "but the combination of affordable and effective tools for prevention and treatment of cervical cancer will contribute to the release of stress on strained healthcare budgets, especially in low-income countries and contribute significantly to eliminate cervical cancer. "