HPV Vaccination for Children: Ages 5 & 11 – 2025 Update
- The Ministry of Health, through the National Health Center for Children and Adolescents, has issued an urgent call to parents: girls and boys in fifth grade, or those...
- The vaccination campaign commenced on September 17th in schools and health units across the contry.
- The Ministry of Health is particularly focused on reaching the lagged population to ensure equitable access to this vital preventative healthcare measure.
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Urgent HPV vaccine Call for Fifth Graders and 11-Year-Olds in Mexico
The Ministry of Health, through the National Health Center for Children and Adolescents, has issued an urgent call to parents: girls and boys in fifth grade, or those who are 11 years old (even if not currently enrolled in school), must receive the vaccine against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This initiative is a critical component of the Universal Vaccination Program 2025, aiming to protect a generation from HPV-related cancers and diseases.
The vaccination campaign commenced on September 17th in schools and health units across the contry. This proactive measure is designed to prevent infection with HPV, a common virus that can lead to several cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, and also genital warts according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Who should Be Vaccinated?
The vaccination is recommended for the following groups:
- Fifth-grade students.
- Non-schooling children aged 11 years.
- Adolescent women aged 12 to 16 who have not previously received any HPV vaccine doses (this addresses a “lagged population” who may have missed earlier opportunities).
The Ministry of Health is particularly focused on reaching the lagged population to ensure equitable access to this vital preventative healthcare measure.
Why is the HPV Vaccine Critically important?
HPV is a very common virus. The CDC estimates that approximately 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV .While manny HPV infections clear up on thier own, persistent infections can lead to serious health problems.
The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection with the types of HPV that cause most HPV-related cancers and genital warts. It’s most effective when administered before the start of sexual activity, which is why it’s recommended for pre-teens. However, the vaccine can still provide benefit to individuals who have already been exposed to HPV.
| Cancer Type | HPV-Attributable Fraction (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Cervical Cancer | 70% |
| anal Cancer | 90% |
| Oropharyngeal Cancer (throat, tongue, tonsils) | 60-70% |
| Vaginal Cancer | 50% |
| Vulvar Cancer | 50% |
| Penile Cancer | 60% |