Filenews 25 August 2023
The National Advisory Committee on Vaccination of the Ministry of Health is proceeding with the modification of the age limits for the administration of the vaccine against the human papillomavirus (Gardasil).
In a statement, the Health Insurance Organization specifically states that from January 1, 2024, the vaccine will be administered to children (boys and girls) aged from 11 years to 13 years and 364 days.
On the occasion of the decision, the Health Insurance Agency informs that according to the dosing schedule of the Gardasil vaccine, if the child is less than 15 years old, then two doses of the vaccine are required for full vaccination with an interval of 6 months.
In case the child is older than 15 years, 3 doses are required for full vaccination, with the 2nd and 3rd doses administered 2 and 6 months respectively, after the administration of the 1st.
It also clarifies that if the child has already started the vaccination scheme against the human papillomavirus or will start it from today until December 31, 2023, he may complete it, even if the next doses do not fall within the age limits, which will be valid during the vaccination period.
For example, if a child aged 14 years is vaccinated on 10/09/2023 with the 1st dose of Gardasil vaccine, the dose is administered under the GHS free of charge.
This is followed by the 2nd dose of the vaccine 6 months after the 1st, ie on March 10, 2024. Since the 1st dose was administered under the GHS, the child will also receive the 2nd dose free of charge, despite the fact that on March 10, 2024 he does not meet the criteria for starting vaccination against the human papillomavirus through the GHS.
Similarly, it also applies in cases where the child starts vaccination at the age of 15 years and over and therefore three doses are required to complete the vaccination scheme.
Regarding the period from 01 January 2024 onwards, if the 1st dose is administered within the age range of 11 years to 13 years and 364 days, the child may complete his vaccination, even if at the time of administration of the 2nd dose, his age exceeds 13 years and 364 days.
For example, if a child aged 13 years and 300 days is vaccinated on 15 January 2024 with the 1st dose of Gardasil vaccine, the dose is administered under the GHS free of charge.
This is followed by the 2nd dose of the vaccine 6 months after the 1st, ie on June 15, 2024. Given that the 1st dose was administered within the framework of the GHS, the child will also receive the 2nd dose free of charge, despite the fact that on June 15, 2024, he does not meet the criteria for starting vaccination against the human papillomavirus, within the framework of the GHS, as he has reached the age of 13 years and 364 days.
Given that the new age limit is going to apply from January 1, 2024, parents and guardians are invited to settle any pending issues regarding the vaccination of children by then, always in consultation with their pediatrician.
Finally, it is recalled that at this stage, girls born on or after 1 January 2004 and under the age of 18, as well as boys born on or after 1 January 2008, can be vaccinated against the GHS against the human papillomavirus.
CNA
