Brazil Extends HPV vaccination Campaign for Adolescents and Young Adults
Table of Contents
Primary topic: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Brazil
Primary Keyword: HPV Vaccine Brazil
Secondary Keywords: HPV vaccination, HPV vaccine, brazil health ministry, cervical cancer prevention, HPV prevention, adolescent vaccination, young adult vaccination, national immunization program Brazil, single-dose HPV vaccine, HPV vaccine schedule, HPV vaccine coverage.
The Brazilian Ministry of Health has extended its national HPV vaccination rescue strategy through the first half of 2026, aiming to increase protection against HPV-related diseases in adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 19 who missed the recommended vaccination age.https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/vacinacao/hpv This extension builds upon an existing campaign and seeks to significantly improve vaccination coverage across the country.
Understanding HPV and the Importance of Vaccination
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection. While many HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infections can lead to several cancers, including cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils). https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/index.html Vaccination is a highly effective way to prevent HPV infection and the cancers it can cause.
Campaign Details and Vaccination schedule
The current strategy aims to vaccinate approximately 7 million young people in the 15-19 age group. As of December 2025, over 208,700 doses have been administered through the program – 91,000 to girls and 117,700 to boys. https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/saude/noticia/2025-12/governo-estende-estrategia-de-vacinacao-contra-o-hpv-ate-2026
Vaccination Schedule:
* General Population (15-19 years): Brazil adopted a single-dose HPV vaccine regimen in 2024, simplifying the vaccination process and improving adherence. https://www.paho.org/en/news/18-10-2023-brazil-introduces-single-dose-hpv-vaccine-national-immunization-program
* Immunocompromised individuals (15-45 years): Individuals with weakened immune systems, including those living with HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients, cancer patients, PrEP users, and victims of sexual violence, continue to receive a three-dose schedule as recommended by the Ministry of Health.
Accessing the HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is available free of charge throughout Brazil’s 5,500 municipalities. Vaccination is offered at:
* Basic Health Units (UBS): The primary location for vaccination.
* Extramural Actions: Pop-up vaccination clinics are being held in schools, universities, gyms, and shopping malls in partnership with state and municipal governments.
Why This Extension Matters
Eder Gatti, Director of the National Immunization Program (PNI), emphasizes that extending the campaign allows those who were not vaccinated between the ages of 9 and 14 to receive protection. https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/saude/noticia/2025-12/governo-estende-estrategia-de-vacinacao-contra-o-hpv-ate-2026 increasing HPV vaccination rates is crucial for reducing the circulation of the virus and preventing serious, potentially life-threatening diseases.
Further Details
For more detailed information about the HPV vaccine and vaccination locations, please visit the Ministry of Health portal: [https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/vacinacao/hpv](
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