Bangkok: The government is actively campaigning to prevent cervical cancer by recommending the HPV vaccine for children aged 11-12 years, highlighting the potential for the target group to prevent the disease through regular screening. Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, emphasized the significance of January as the month for raising awareness about cervical cancer, which ranks as the fourth most common cancer in women globally and the fifth in Thailand. The primary risk factors include infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), transmitted through sexual intercourse, and smoking, which heightens the risk of developing the disease.
According to Thai News Agency, prevention of cervical cancer can be achieved by receiving the HPV vaccine, which has a prevention rate of 70-90%. Nonetheless, vaccinated individuals should continue avoiding risk factors and undergo regular cervical cancer screenings as advised by their healthcare providers. Ms. Sasikarn highlighted that there are currently three main types of cervical cancer vaccines in Thailand: the bivalent vaccine (HPV 16 and 18 antigens), the quadrivalent vaccine (HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 antigens), and the nonavalent vaccine (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 antigens). It is important to note that individuals with hypersensitivity to vaccine components, including children with latex or yeast allergies, should inform their doctor before vaccination. Vaccination should be postponed for those who are sick or have an infection until they have recovered, while pregnant individuals should complete the remaining injections after childbirth if they become pregnant before finishing the vacc ination series.
The campaign outlines specific groups suitable for HPV vaccination. The most significant benefits are seen in individuals who have never had sexual intercourse or been infected, including girls (2, 4, or 9-strain vaccine) and boys (4 or 9-strain vaccine) aged 11-12 years. If not vaccinated at this age, individuals can receive the vaccine until age 26. Vaccination for individuals aged 27-45 should be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the understanding that the benefits may not equal those received when vaccinated at a younger age. Women with a history of genital warts, precancerous lesions on cervical cytology tests, or high-risk HPV infections are still encouraged to receive the vaccine. Additionally, women who have had sexual intercourse can be vaccinated without undergoing cervical cancer screening or a high-risk HPV test beforehand.
The government has rolled out a plan to prevent and control cervical cancer, offering free HPV vaccinations to girls in Grade 5, aged 11-12 years, and girls aged 11-20 years who have never been vaccinated. This initiative applies to individuals both in and out of the education system nationwide, with a two-dose series administered 6-12 months apart. Despite vaccination, women should continue regular cervical cancer screenings as recommended. For further information, individuals can consult resources from the National Cancer Institute via Facebook and Line.