The status of human papillomavirus vaccination recommendation, funding, and coverage in WHO Europe countries (2018-2019)

Abstract

Background: There is a need to better understand HPV vaccination (HPVv) implementation in WHO Europe Region (WHO/ER), including recommendations, funding, and vaccination coverage rates (VCR). Methods: A targeted literature review (up to 31 January 2020) was conducted using national health ministry websites, WHO database, and published studies from WHO/ER countries (n = 53). HPVv recommendations and funding data (target age, gender, schedule, setting, target and monitored VCR) for primary and catch-up cohorts were collected. Results: National recommendations for HPVv exist in 46/53 (87%) countries, of which 38 (83%), 2 (4%), and 6 (13%) countries provided full, partial, or no funding, respectively, for the primary cohort. Fully or partially funded HPVv was provided for girls only in 25/53 (47%) countries and for both boys and girls in 15/53 (28%) countries. HPVv catch-up was fully or partially funded in 14/53 (26%) countries. Among 40 countries with a national immunization program (NIP), monitored VCRs ranged from 4.3% to 99% (n = 30). Of the 10 countries reporting VCR targets, only Portugal exceeded its target. Conclusion: Of the 53 WHO/ER countries, 40 have funded HPVv NIPs, among which 30 report VCRs. Additional efforts are required to ensure HPVv NIPs are fully funded and high VCRs maintained.

Keywords: Human papillomavirus; WHO; immunization programs; papillomavirus infections; vaccination; vaccination coverage.