HPV vaccine is medically necessary, finds panel of experts

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An expert report has been prepared in the case filed by the Children and Women First Association, requesting that human papillomaviruses (HPV) vaccines be included in the national vaccination program.

The panel of experts has expressed the opinion that offering the HPV vaccine is medically necessary in the face of cervical cancer.

The report has said, "It is a scientific fact that some diseases can be prevented or eliminated by vaccination. The cervical cancer vaccine is one of them. Vaccination to prevent cervical cancers (HPV vaccine) is a part of the national vaccination programs of 87 countries in the world."

It is not covered by insurance in Turkey

Though it is possible to be protected from the HPV, which causes cervical cancer in women, the vaccine is not covered by insurance in Turkey. The Association filed a court case within this context and demanded that the HPV vaccine be included in Turkey's national vaccination program. The recent expert report has been submitted to the court as part of this lawsuit.

The panel of experts, consisting of obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Hidayet Yazar, Social Security Institution (SGK) expert Cüneyt Kökten and pharmacist Pınar Aydın, has written, "It has been concluded that vaccination against cervical cancers is medically necessary."

The association has shared the report with the public on social media, announcing that the first expert report has been issued in the trial.

Campaign for free vaccination in Turkey

There are 100 strains of HPV virus that have been identified so far. As part of the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) to fight cervical cancer, vaccination programs are in effect in 100 countries.

There are also campaigns requesting that the HPV vaccine be offered free in Turkey. The request for including the vaccine in Turkey's national vaccination program was previously taken to the Parliamentary Agenda. One dose of the vaccine costs around 700 lira. Considering that three doses are necessary, it accounts for over 2,000 lira, which is half of the minimum wage.

(EMK/SD)