Guyana to upgrade HPV vaccine in 2025

…Health Minister announces Shift to 9-valent protection

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has revealed that steps are currently underway to change the current HPV vaccine from a quadrivalent vaccine to a 9-valent vaccine.
He made this announcement during a recent event while speaking to media operatives.
A quadrivalent vaccine protects against four different strains of a virus, commonly used for influenza (flu) vaccines, which include two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains. However, the 9-valent vaccine would protect against a broader range of HPV strains.
According to the Health Minister, this change is something new that will be introduced in 2025.
“The other thing that we’ll be working on is to change the HPV vaccine from a quadrivalent vaccine to a 9-valent vaccine. And right now, we are in discussions with the company that is manufacturing it, and we are working on getting a preferential price. Once those negotiations are completed, we’ll be able to buy those doses and bring them in,” he explained.
He added that the 9-valent vaccine would be a superior option.
“So, it would be a superior vaccine compared to what is generally used to prevent HPV. That’s the other thing that we’re working on,” he stated.
Meanwhile, while discussing vaccines, Dr. Anthony also shed light on the influenza vaccine in reemphazing that it is completely safe for use.
“So, they’re used every flu season, and that’s what, once we adopt it and bring it here, we’ll ensure it’s safe and relevant to the influenza strains that are circulating. Last year, we took samples of the influenza viruses that were circulating in Guyana, and based on that, we had our partners manufacture the vaccine to suit those circulating strains. Whatever is done, it’s absolutely safe and used to protect people,” he emphasized.
With cervical cancer remaining the second most common cancer affecting women, the low adoption rate of HPV vaccines in Guyana has become a cause for concern. Dr. Frank Anthony has stated in previous times that these vaccines are a vital safeguard against HPV infections and cervical pre-cancers, highlighting the urgency of increasing awareness and uptake of the vaccine locally.