The papillomavirus vaccine, initially recommended for women, is slowly being extended to children. The challenge is considerable: fighting various cancers, particularly that of the cervix. Example in Tarbes (Hautes Pyrénées), where young university students are vaccinated.

It is a little-known but widespread infection that can cause serious cancer. The papillomavirus, an infection that affects both men and women, is taken seriously in the Hautes-Pyrénées. This year a vaccination campaign is being carried out among 5th grade students in 21 secondary schools in Tarbes.

Between 70 and 80% of men and women are infected. by the papillomavirus at least once in their life. Transmission of papillomaviruses occurs through intimate contact and can occur throughout life. Every year 6,400 cancers of this type are diagnosed in France.

Vaccination carried out between the 9th and the 14th years offers protection against the most serious forms that can cause cervical cancer. In a large room at a school in Tarbes, children are bitten one after another. “We vaccinate twice at six. month difference“specifies the Doctor Manon Chollet-Souque, from the Territorial Health Professional Community of Tarbes Adour. “We are targeting fifth graders because they are old enough to be vaccinated.“

Therefore, just under 10% of the department’s high school students are vaccinated. They will receive their second dose in May or June. “This is a good membership rate because it is a first campaign that we organized very quickly so that it is positioned throughout the school year.” My dear Manon Mordelet, director of the ARS Hautes-Pyrénées.

Hence the importance of acting early, to join countries like the United Kingdom or Sweden, where the vaccination rate reaches 80%. “At the local level we do not feel any particular difficulties.“promises Anne Miquel Val, director of the National Education Services of the Hautes-Pyrénées.”20% of university students agree to be vaccinated. We hope to have vaccination coverage that exceeds 20% in this age group.“

Vaccination against papillomavirus has long been recommended for women. Now it is spreading among children. “In the imagination of the general public, these infections are inherent to women. For some time now the information has been coming to light. As many boys as girls come to get vaccinated” analyzes Anne Miquel Val.

Between 70 and 80% of men and women will be infected with the papillomavirus at least once in their lives. Transmission of papillomaviruses occurs through intimate contact and can occur throughout life. Every year 6,400 cancers of this type are diagnosed in France.

A similar campaign is being carried out in Montpellier (Hérault) and Uzès (Gard). Vaccination provides 90% protection. But to fight the papillomavirus it will be necessary to deploy it beyond the Hautes-Pyrénées.