Early effects of human papillomavirus vaccination in Belgium. Issue 4 (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Merckx, Mireille; Broeck, Davy Vanden; Benoy, Ina; Depuydt, Christophe; Weyers, Steven; Arbyn, Marc
• Is Part Of: European journal of cancer prevention. Volume 24:Issue 4(2015:Jul.)
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: adolescents -- cervical cancer -- HPV vaccine -- HPV vaccine impact -- surveillance; Cancer -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- etiology -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Prevention; Periodicals; 616.994052
• DOI: 10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000067
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-8278

Abstract

Abstract : Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been reimbursed in Belgium since 2007 for girls (12–15 years), extended to girls up to 18 years in 2008. This study assesses the trend of HPV 16/18 infections in women less than 25 years of age participating in opportunistic cervical cancer screening. A significant reduction in the prevalence of HPV 16 [relative risk (RR)=0.61, 95% confidence interval=0.39–0.95] and a nonsignificant reduction in HPV 18 (RR=0.65, 95% confidence interval=0.29–1.48) was found in the youngest group (15–19 years). The prevalences in the older age group did not change significantly. These findings show the early effects of HPV vaccination and confirm the effectiveness of immunization in a real-life setting.