TY  -  JOUR
AU  -  Campagna, Ilaria
AU  -  Russo, Luisa
AU  -  Pandolfi, Elisabetta
AU  -  Croci, Ileana
AU  -  Gesualdo, Francesco
AU  -  Cinelli, Giulia
AU  -  Miller, Kiersten
AU  -  Tozzi, Alberto Eugenio
AU  -  Rizzo, Caterina
T1  -  Gender difference in human papillomavirus vaccine coverage in Italy and Europe
PY  -  2021
Y1  -  2021-09-01
DO  -  10.1723/3673.36591
JO  -  The Italian Journal of Gender-Specific Medicine
JA  -  Ital J Gender-Specific Med
VL  -  7
IS  -  3
SP  -  134
EP  -  141
PB  -  Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore
SN  -  2612-3487
Y2  -  2026/04/04
UR  -  http://dx.doi.org/10.1723/3673.36591
N2  -  Summary. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes cervical cancer and other diseases caused by HPV as a global public health issue. The maximum effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing cervical and anal cancer occurs when the vaccine is administered before the start of sexual activity. The WHO called for a joint action by scientific societies and cancer organizations aimed at achieving the goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health issue, also in Europe. All European Countries should, by 2030, achieve at least 90% human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage among both the girls and boys who fall within the recommended age group.The goal of our study is to evaluate the differences in vaccination coverage between males and females in the different Italian regions, as well as in Europe.The data published by the Italian Ministry of Health relating to the national coverage was analyzed, while for Europe data reference was made to that published on the websites of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the WHO.In Italy HPV vaccination has been offered for free since 2007/2008 by the National Health Service to all girls once they reach age 12. Starting from 2015, three Italian regions (Sicily, Puglia, Molise) also introduced the anti-HPV vaccination for males at the same age. This choice originated from a better understanding of HPV infection, its clinical manifestations in both sexes and the subsequent approval of the quadrivalent vaccine also for males.Once introduced in national immunization programs, HPV vaccination has proven very successful; however, there are still many Countries that have not introduced vaccination at national level.Despite the great promise offered by HPV vaccines in reducing the disease burden and promoting socioeconomic and gender equality, their implementation in national programs has been slow. In fact, despite the free vaccination and screening programs for females, coverage was not extended to males in all Countries.The active offer of vaccination against HPV in males and females could drastically change the epidemiology of HPV-related diseases and their consequences.The WHO recognizes cervical cancer and other diseases caused by HPV as a global public health issue. The maximum effectiveness in preventing cervical and anal cancer occurs when the vaccine is administered before the start of the sexual activity. All European Countries should, by 2030, achieve at least a 90% HPV vaccination coverage among both the girls and boys who fall within the recommended age group.
ER  -