ArmInfo. The Ministry of Healthcare of Armenia is discussing the issue of raising the age limit for vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). The Minister of Healthcare Arsen Torosyan stated this on January 23 at a press conference.
"Tomorrow we will discuss the possibility of increasing the age groups, whether we will allow other age groups to receive this vaccine for free, and not limit the number of those who use this opportunity. Most likely, the decision will be made and we will announce what age threshold we are talking about", said Torosyan.
Papillomavirus vaccination started in Armenia in December 2017. It is made to girls from 9 to 13 years old on a voluntary basis. Parents who refuse vaccination are required to provide a written refusal. At the moment, the public is unequivocal and doubtful about vaccination, as there is a perception that the vaccine, preventing the development of the papillomavirus, may subsequently cause complications in children. For example, some believe that the use of this vaccine can lead to infertility, etc. Meanwhile, according to official data, cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in Armenia.