HPV Vaccine in Thailand National Immunization Program

Abstract

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is provided by the government in the Expanded Program on Immunization aims to prevent HPV infection and reduce cervical cancer caused by HPV strains in the vaccine. The decision to introduce the new vaccine involved a comprehensive evaluation process at the policy level, which was facilitated by improvements and coordination within the Ministry of Public Health's mechanisms. One significant step towards utilizing the HPV vaccine in the disease prevention and immunization enhancement program is the implementation of a pilot project for HPV vaccination services. This project was carried out in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, targeting fifth-grade female students. The vaccination schedule consists of two doses administered six months apart. Initial results from the first year of the vaccination service implementation showed high acceptance rates among staff, teachers, and parents, at 97.8%, 95.7%, and 91.2%, respectively. The coverage of completing both doses of the vaccine was 87.4%. The adverse events following immunization included pain at the injection site, fever, redness, and headache. No severe adverse events were reported. Following the successful pilot project, the expansion of HPV vaccination services nationwide was considered and incorporated into the disease prevention and immunization enhancement program in 2017. The coverage of completing both doses of the vaccine in the first year of nationwide implementation was 96.9%, with high acceptance rates from parents at 98.5%. While HPV vaccination has been well accepted by parents, providing knowledge about cervical cancer, prevention methods, HPV vaccination, and post-vaccination adverse reactions to the public remains crucial. This educational effort aims to foster accurate understanding and positive attitudes towards the vaccination program