Cervical cancer has been identified as a public health problem that can be eliminated over time through consistent vaccination against HPV. Since vaccination is most effective if performed prior to exposure to the HPV virus, a sustained vaccination campaign that vaccinates children before they become sexually active will have a significant impact on reducing the number of deaths due to cervical cancer.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem” recommends a 90-70-90 model, whereby:
- 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by 15 years of age
- 70% of women are screened with a high-performance test by 35 years of age and again by 45 years of age
- 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment
Health Canada has joined the WHO in this aspirational goal, releasing their “Action Plan for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Canada” and Canadian pharmacy professionals will play a crucial role in ensuring equity and access to HPV vaccination. Working alongside other healthcare professionals who provide care to adolescents, pharmacy professionals can assist with achieving the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) plan, to ensure 90% of 17-year-olds are fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by 2025.