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Tengrinews.kz – The list of people eligible for vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) may be expanded in Kazakhstan, according to Minister of Healthcare Akmaral Alnazarova.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Mazhilis, the Healthcare Minister was asked whether 18-year-old Kazakhstani girls might be allowed to receive the HPV vaccine in the future. Currently, the age threshold is 11.
"Questions are being raised — by both deputies and the public — about vaccinating not only girls but also boys. There are proposals to expand the age range. International experience shows that vaccinations can begin from age 9. Including your suggestion — from age 18 — these proposals are being considered. I think this is very logical and reasonable," said Akmaral Alnazarova.
The minister added that the option of offering HPV vaccination on a paid basis to anyone who wants it is also under review.
"There are similar requests from the adult population. The national budget allocated funds last and this year for a specific group — 11-year-old girls. Anything beyond that, regardless of gender, requires either additional funding or further planning. This matter is under consideration," Alnazarova noted.
HPV vaccination in Kazakhstan
Since September of last year, Kazakhstan has begun voluntary HPV vaccinations for 11-year-old girls to help prevent cervical cancer.
Vaccinations are administered in school medical offices after obtaining informed parental or legal guardian consent. Parents may also opt to have the vaccine administered at their local clinics.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus, primarily transmitted through sexual contact. There are over 100 types of HPV, many of which are harmless and clear up on their own. However, some high-risk types can eventually lead to cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the anus, throat, and genitals.
According to the Ministry of Healthcare, cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women of all ages in Kazakhstan, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women aged 25 to 44. Around 1,900 new cases are registered in the country each year. Scientific studies have confirmed that the main cause of cervical cancer is HPV infection.
