Pharmacies now offer HPV vaccinations for adults
HPV Vaccination Expands to Adults in Estonia
Starting in August, Estonian pharmacies will offer HPV vaccination services to adults aged 19-45, marking an expansion of the country's vaccination programme. The vaccination, which is offered at selected Südameapteek, Benu, and Apotheka branded pharmacies across Estonia, is an effective protection against several serious diseases, including cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers.
The HPV vaccine is most effective before sexual activity begins, when a person has not been exposed to the covered types of HPV. However, vaccination in adulthood could be considered to ensure individual protection against HPV-related diseases. For adults 19-45, vaccination can still prevent new HPV infections and associated cancers before exposure occurs or with incomplete immunity.
Hanna Jäe, head of vaccination services at the Health Insurance Fund, states that the HPV vaccine offers protection against serious diseases. Piret Veerus, head of the women's clinic at West Tallinn Central Hospital, suggests that adults aged 19-26 may benefit from HPV vaccination, while vaccination between the ages of 27 and 45 may provide some individual protection against HPV-related diseases.
The price of one HPV vaccination at pharmacies is between 147-150 euros. Appointments for HPV vaccination at pharmacies must be booked in advance, with more detailed information available at vaktsineeriapteegis.ee.
It is important to note that the benefits of HPV vaccination for adults aged 19-45 include significant reduction in the risk of HPV-related cancers. HPV causes a large proportion of these cancers, such as 91% of cervical and anal cancers [1]. Vaccination can also reduce genital warts and improve overall sexual health and quality of life [1].
However, vaccinating adults involves vaccine procurement costs, healthcare delivery, and possible side effects management. Additionally, vaccine uptake may be limited by awareness and acceptance gaps, requiring public health campaigns for education [2].
In Estonia, vaccination of 12-18 year olds is primarily carried out by school nurses and is funded by the Health Insurance Fund. Starting in August, women in the target group for cervical cancer screening will also be able to get a home test from pharmacies. Adult HPV vaccination requires two doses, with a minimum interval of six months.
In the last 25 years, the number of cases of oropharyngeal cancer has quadrupled and the number of cases of anal cancer has doubled in Estonia. Approximately 130 women in Estonia develop cervical cancer each year, with the main cause being the human papillomavirus (HPV). Over 200 cases of cancer are diagnosed in Estonia each year due to HPV.
In addition to HPV vaccination, pharmacies can provide vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis, diphtheria-tetanus, COVID-19, and influenza.
References:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV Vaccination: Key Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines/keyfacts.html
[2] World Health Organization. (2021). Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines: WHO Position. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/immunization/policy/position/97-meningococcal-polysaccharides-conjugate-vaccines/en/
The expansion of Estonia's vaccination program includes offering HPV vaccination services to adults aged 19-45, which provides protection against several health-and-wellness issues, such as cervical and anal cancers, among others. The HPV vaccine, while most effective before sexual activity begins, still offers benefits for adults, including preventing new HPV infections and associated cancers before exposure occurs or with incomplete immunity.
