Specialist: HPV vaccine would save lives and money
Finland is the only western country where vaccination against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is not part of the national immunization programme. The virus can lead to cervical cancer.
According to gynaecologist Pekka Nieminen, the majority of cervical cancer cases could be avoided if the vaccine was given.
Nieminen is Chief Departmental Physician at the Jorvi Hospital in Espoo, which also specializes in gynaecology. Speaking to Yle, he said introducing a vaccine against HPV would help both the state and the public.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health proposed last week that girls of 11 and 12 years of age be given a vaccine against cervical cancer. The Finance Ministry has yet to approve the idea.
“Giving the vaccine would lead to savings in health care. Fighting the papilloma virus costs the state some 42 million euros annually and Immunising one age group would cost two millions euros annually,” states Nieminen.
Finland remains the only western nation not automatically vaccinating against HPV. Two years ago the National Institute for Health and Welfare proposed the introduction of HPV vaccination.
Some 150 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in Finland and some 3,000 cases of the early stages of the disease are handled. Cases of HPV have doubled in the past 50 years.
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