cervical cancer is the only cancer that can be vaccinated against, and we can successfully prevent it. Since May 1, 2022, the Slovak Republic has joined other developed countries where girls and boys between 12 and 13 years of age can be vaccinated with the most modern, nanovalent vaccine Gardasil 9 against HPV virus free of charge. MZ SR firmly believes that this step will rapidly increase the vaccination rate of this age category.
The vaccine contains up to 9 HPV virus genotypes, which means it is very effective. Both benefits for this age group will be reimbursed by health insurance companies. The price of one dose of vaccine is EUR 126. At today's press conference with the participation of representatives of the health department, patient organisations of the Alliance NO RAKOLINE and the League against Cancer, the Association of Health Insurance Companies, said Minister of Health Vladimír Lengvarský free vaccine to live with: I must thank the patient organisations for their perseverance on this subject and also the health insurance companies with whom we have brought negotiations to a successful conclusion. Experiences from other countries of Australia, Britain, and Sweden have shown that between 10 and 15 years after the introduction of vaccination of young girls and boys, the incidence of cervical cancer has decreased significantly, the percentages of decline range from 87% to 97%. These are unnoticeable numbers.
The first dose of the vaccine should be given between the day of 12 birthday and the day preceding the 13th birthday, the second dose six months later.
Elena Prokop, pediatrician: It is ideal to vaccinate girls and boys at a time when it is highly likely that they have not yet been infected with HPV virus. Also at the time when their immunity can respond to the vaccine with the highest antibody production. This is the 9th - 15th year of life. The reimbursement of the vaccine in the 13th year of life is related to children undergoing a preventive screening in the primary paediatrician this year, and it is possible to administer the vaccine against HPV as part of a preventive examination.Professor Miloš Autumn, immunologist, pediatrician: It should be stressed that this vaccine has an activity against cervical cancer of almost 100%. It is even effective in Larynga cancer, language cancer and others, which is another bonus in terms of protecting young people and their future health. I recommend vaccination of children who have reached the 12th year of their life.
Jana Piffle Spank, alliance NO RACOLINE:We look forward to and congratulate on this revolutionary decision, which has been achieved thanks to the good cooperation of patient organisations with MZ SR and our pressure. Finally, there is a more effective 9-valent vaccine available free not only for 12-year-old girls but also for boys. We will do our utmost to make sure that both parents and young people learn about it in an appropriate form. We consider today a huge breakthrough in oncology prevention for all the people in our country.
The cancer league was equally active when the education about HPV virus was triggered in Slovakia. Eva Blacksmith, Cancer League: We believe that, thanks to our continued awareness of effective prevention against HPV virus, which becomes a more currently available free multivalent vaccine, Slovakia will belong to countries with a declining number of newly diagnosed cases mainly cervical cancer or other types of cancer. We will be happy to be part of communication in the future with the belief that free vaccination before HPV will not have to be limited to one age group, but will be available for a wide range of populations.
The health department, together with experts, recommends vaccination against HPV virus even in old age, as vaccination also brings significant economic benefits. Róbert Babeľa, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health: – Vaccination of children against HPV is an investment in their future that will bring significant and complex economic benefits to society, far beyond the cost of the vaccine. I'm glad the great thing happened.Michal Štofko, Alliance of Health Insurance Companies:Last year, over 10,000 health insurance policyholders received vaccination against HPV virus, and interest in this form of prevention is increasing year by year. From 1 May 2022, health insurance companies will pay full-time vaccine against HPV virus to all children aged 12 years. Older girls and boys, aged between 13 and 16 or 18, can benefit from individual health insurance companies, which is provided in the form of a financial contribution.
Discussions will continue with health insurance companies on the possibility of better access to vaccination in other age categories as well as on other options for effective HPV detection in our population.
Information on the prevention and screening of oncology diseases, but also on vaccination against HPV viruses will be learned from the public at the current events of patient organisations: SAY NO RAKOVINE or BEH FOR HEALTHY PRSIA 2022.
