Papillomavirus: Less than 15% of 5th graders vaccinated in 2023
The vaccination campaign against papillomavirus, launched in colleges last fall, shows alarming statistics. According to Professor Xavier Carcopino, President of the French Society of Colposcopy and Cervico-Vaginal Pathology (SFCPCV), Only 10 to 15% of 5th grade students (girls and boys) received the first dose of the vaccine, well below the initial goal of 30%. This situation is more alarming because papillomaviruses are responsible for numerous cancers, especially of the cervix and ENT sphere.
In the Grand Est region, often cited as an example for its active participation in previous experiments, the results are also less than expected. Only 7,486 students received the first injection out of a target of 19,311 students. Regional disparities are marked. In the Meuse department, 25% of fifth grade secondary school students are vaccinated, while in Haut-Rhin, this figure drops to 6% for a regional average of 12%. In Brittany, vaccination rates reach 30% in Brittany and 15% in Corsica.
Lack of communication
HPV vaccination campaigns in college seem to be faltering for a few reasons. First, administrative complexity and a perceived cumbersome organization were major obstacles. Communication was also very late, which didn’t help matters. Health experts have also highlighted the parental authorization system which they consider too complicated. In many countries, vaccinations are carried out unless parents object, which in particular allows Great Britain to have a vaccination rate of 80%. In France, the approval of both parents is required, which leads to a lack of communication.
France maintains a target of reaching 80% vaccination rate among young people by 2030. Experts are thinking ” Better communicate the importance of vaccinating young adolescents with safe and highly effective vaccines “for” Making cervical cancer a disease of the past ” In this sense, they recommend that schools communicate more about the papillomavirus vaccine and do so from the 6th grade. Teachers are also encouraged to support parents to discuss the vaccination campaign if they have questions about the authorization form and during parent-teacher meetings. .
