France steps up HPV vaccination campaign in schools

Health officials in France have redoubled efforts to encourage children in cinquième (12-13 years) to take up free HPV vaccinations in school. 

It is the second year the scheme – which is not compulsory – has been rolled out in schools. 

As a result of the first campaign, launched at the start of the 2023 school year, Santé publique France noted a significant improvement in vaccination coverage among 12-year-olds, with an increase of 17 points between 2022 and 2023 to reach 48% (55% for girls and 41% for boys).

The aim is to have 80% of children vaccinated against HPV by 2030, and the vaccine can prevent 90% of HPV-related infections, says the health authority.

HPV cancers in France

In France, 6,400 cancers and 100,000 benign lesions are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) every year. 

HPV can affect all ages. 

Nearly everyone who has not been specifically vaccinated will get HPV at some point.  

There are more than 100 different types of HPV, and they are generally categorised as ‘non-oncogenic’ (wart-causing) or ‘oncogenic’ (cancer-causing). 

The Cancer Council of Australia states that HPV is responsible for almost 100% of cervical cancers, 90% of anal cancers, 78% of vaginal cancers and 50% of penile cancers, which is why vaccination at a young age is so strongly recommended

Most people do not have symptoms and in 90% of cases, the virus will go away on its own within two years. 

What are the symptoms?

Often there are no symptoms at all, but sometimes one of these viruses can cause lumps to develop on the skin, typically around the anus or genital area, and although the lumps are usually pain-free, they can make you anxious or self-conscious. 

The virus is spread through intimate contact with genital skin and affects both men and women. 

Condoms offer some protection from HPV but it’s not a full protection, as condoms do not cover all of the genital skin. It has nothing to do with promiscuity: you can be exposed to HPV the first time sexual activity occurs, or from only one sexual partner.

Vaccination for youngsters

Because this is a sexually-transmitted disease, France has a national vaccination programme for HPV in schools, targeted at youngsters before they become sexually active. The vaccine is recommended for all children ages 11 to 14 in two doses, at least five months apart. The doses can be carried out either over a single school year, or over two school years, depending on the region. 

If your child has not been vaccinated by the age of 14, they can get the vaccine aged 15 to 19 in three doses.

To raise parents' awareness ahead of this year’s vaccination campaign, letters were sent at the end of June to parents of children in sixième, informing them of the measures to be implemented at the start of the new school year. 

New letters were also sent this autumn to reiterate the information. In addition, awareness-raising sessions have been offered to parents and students at the start of the new school year, and a national information campaign to support the scheme has been running in the media from September 16 to October 13.

Vaccination in school is not compulsory, but it is free of charge. The written consent of both parents is required. It is possible to refuse vaccination at school and have it carried out by a GP instead.

HPV vaccination is also recommended for youngsters (aged nine to 19) undergoing solid organ transplantation, for any immunocompromised youngsters, and for men up to the age of 26, who have sexual contact with other men.

Read more: Why are more young people in France getting cancer?

Screening and treatment

If you were never vaccinated as a youngster, you will probably get HPV at some point without knowing. 

There is no specific treatment for HPV, but in most cases, the infections do not cause any problems.

Where HPV does lead to more serious health concerns, existing health screens usually pick up the symptoms. 

For example, cervical screening (smear tests or frottis) can detect high-risk HPV infections in cells, sometimes before they cause abnormal cells to develop.

To learn more about the vaccination for youngsters, or to check any symptoms you might have, simply consult your GP or médecin traitant who will refer you for the next step.