If the governmental recommendation for the HPV vaccine doesn't restart, the risk of future HPV infection and cervical cancer differs in accordance with the year of birth

Abstract

In Japan, cervical cancer tends to develop at a younger age. Cervical cancer screening rate in Japanese females is extremely low among developed countries. Therefore, HPV vaccine was expected to prevent cervical cancer effectively in Japan. An urgent promotion project for HPV vaccination was initiated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in 2010. From April 2013, periodical vaccination of 12 to 16–year–old was initiated. However, so–called serious adverse events upon HPV vaccinations was repeated­ly reported in the media and the MHLW announced suspension of the recommendation of HPV vaccination in June 2013. Consequently, the inoculation rate has sharply declined, and a unprotected group against HPV will result in higher incidences of HPV infection and cervical cancer. It is necessary for us to face the increased risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer for girls who have refrained from HPV vaccination.