Peer-reviewed article

COVID-19 - pandemic effect on Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination of eighth grade students in Croatia

Rajn V, Vuljak-Vulić J, Kos Milkić A, Jureša V · 1 Oct 2021

Abstract

Abstract Issue/problem Vaccination at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic is a challenge for vaccinators. The consequences of not vaccinating against human papilloma virus (HPV) of youngs for their future reproductive health are far-reaching. In Croatia, HPV vaccination is voluntary and free for all school children and students. Description of the problem Rate of HPV vaccination in eighth grade students before the epidemic school year 2018/19, at the onset of the epidemic 2019/20 and 2020/21 in the midst of the epidemic, Croatia in the city of Koprivnica and 11 municipalities in the Koprivničko-križevačka County. The research included 1530 children of eighth grade during three school years in the city of Koprivnica and 11municipalities. Data were collected by the School Health Service. Before the panidemic, vaccinations took place at school, and during the epidemic exclusively in school medicine practices. Completely vaccinated are considered those vaccinated with two or three doses depending the student age. Results Fully vaccinated students 2018/2019 is 54.2% (277/511), urban area 48.0% (133/277) and rural area 61.5% (144/234). 2019/2020 62.0% (330/532) of students were vaccinated, urban area 56.3% (160/284) and rural area 68.6% (170/248). Coverage of girls with full vaccination 2018/2019 is 63.4% and boys 46.6%. In 2019/2020 71.8% girls and 52.3% boys were fully vaccinated. In 2020/2021 the first dose received 53.4% (260/487), girls 65.3% and boys 43.4%. The second dose did not received in 2018/2019 5.2% students and 2019/2020 8.8%. The main reason in the rural area is the distance from school clinics and the inability to vaccinate children at school. Lessons In the school year 2019/2020 there was an increase in vaccination compared to 2018/2019 of 7.8%, despite difficult conditions. Key messages Unexpectedly during the epidemic the response to vaccination increased. HPV vaccination should remain a priority in adolescent health protection.