Within the framework of the Vaccination Week in the Americas, the NGO Citizen voices He made an urgent call to 18 -year -old teenagers to take advantage of the last days they have to vaccinate free of charge against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The organization said that this vaccine can be applied Until a day before he turned 19presenting only the DAYS in public Health establishments, without the need for authorization of parents.
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection associated with multiple types of cancer – like the cervical cancer (99% of cases)of penis, anus and oropharynx – as well as genital warts. Therefore, vaccination is a crucial prevention measure for both women as for men.
Since 2024, the national Peruvian vaccination scheme includes teenagers of both sexes until 18 yearsbut still There is a considerable gap In coverage, especially among men.
According to him National HPV vaccination plan for fiscal year 2025more than 1.4 million boys between 14 and 18 years They have not been vaccinated, in front of 287 thousand women In the same range. In the group of 10 to 13 years, 728 thousand men They are still not vaccinated, twice the adolescents women without immunizing.
Until April 24, 2025, the Ministry of Health has registered the application of 77,803 doses in men y 33,047 in women From 14 to 18 years, which shows a pending task to achieve effective and equitable protection.
He cervical cancerresponsible for 2,545 deaths per year In Peru, it is the only type of cancer that can be prevented by vaccination. According to data from GLOBOCAN 2022approximately 4,809 new annual cases.
Therefore, Citizen voices He urges families and adolescents not to lose this unique opportunity for free protection. From the age of 19, the vaccine must be paid in the private sector.
