Expanding Free School-based Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination Programs to Include School-aged Males in Nova Scotia, Canada
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Abstract
Bill 70 (HPV Vaccine Act) was presented to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly with the aim of expanding the current Nova Scotia school-based HPV vaccination program to include males. In recent years, increased awareness of HPV and HPV-caused cancers has led to the implementation of school-based female HPV vaccination programs across Canada. Changing guidelines, based on recent evidence, suggest that males should also be included in these programs. Program expansion to include males aims to reduce the prevalence of HPV-causing cancers and their ensuing costs, to promote equal access to healthcare services, and to make Nova Scotia a leader in HPV prevention. Support from the Canadian public and high profile political actors along with pressure from other provinces and interest groups, including the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, influenced the passing of the HPV Vaccine Act. In order to implement this reform, the provincial financial commitment to the previous HPV program was expanded to cover the cost of male vaccination.
Le projet de loi 70 (Loi sur les vaccins contre le papillomavirus), dont l’objet est d’étendre aux garçons le programme de vaccination contre le papillomavirus humain (PVH) en vigueur actuellement dans les écoles de Nouvelle Écosse, a été présenté devant l’Assemblée parlementaire de la province. La prise de conscience récente du rôle du PVH comme facteur de risqué dans de nombreux cancers a conduit à la mise en place de programmes de vaccination scolaires pour les filles partout au Canada. Des données empiriques récentes ont conduit à modifier les recommandations de pratiques pour ouvrir ces programmes aux garçons. L’objectif d’une telle ouverture des programmes est de diminuer la prévalence (et les coûts) des cancers provoqués par le PVH, ainsi que de renforcer l’égalité d’accès aux soins et de placer la Nouvelle Écosse à la pointe de la prévention du PVH. Une opinion publique canadienne favorable, ainsi que le renfort d’acteurs politiques majeurs et la pression venue d’autres provinces et de groupes d’opinion, comme la Société des Obstétriciens et Gynécologues du Canada, ont contribué au vote de la loi sur la vaccination PVH. La province a augmenté son engagement financier dans le programme PVH afin de couvrir le coût des vaccins pour les garçons.
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