Emmanuel Macron announces the generalization of vaccination for student volunteers from the 5th class

The Elysée had boasted “a decisive announcement” For “eradicate” disease. Traveling to Jarnac (Charente), Tuesday, February 28, Emmanuel Macron announced the generalization of vaccination campaigns at college to fight against papillomavirus. This anti-HPV vaccination will be intended, from the start of the next school year, for volunteer students in fifth grade classes, girls and boys.

The process has already been tested for two years in the Grand Est region and it has generated good results, specifies the Elysée. “A real catch-up effect” has thus been noted: 24% of fifth graders were vaccinated at school the first year and 21% the second year. Within schools, theThe regional health agencies (ARS) will coordinate with the rectorates to set up non-school medical teams responsible for raising awareness and vaccinating.

In addition, from September, the prescription and vaccination against HPV – recommended for adolescents between 11 and 14 years old but which can be done up to 19 years old – can be carried out by pharmacists, midwives or nurses. This generalization will make it possible in particular to avoid three expensive appointments with the doctor (a first consultation then two others for the two doses).

France lagging behind

Each year, in France, diseases induced by the human papillomavirus are responsible for 2,900 cancers of the cervix (causing more than 1,000 deaths), 1,500 cancers of the ENT sphere, 1,500 cancers of the anus, 200 cancers of the vulva or vagina and a hundred penile cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these HPV-induced cancers can be eradicated through screening and vaccination against this disease. However, the vaccination coverage rate in France is currently 37% for girls and only 9% for boys.

The Inca judges as well as “The low vaccination coverage in France is worrying” while the ten-year strategy (2021-2030) for the fight against cancer aims for a target of 80% within seven years, as is the case for example in the United Kingdom, Sweden or Australia.