Yasmina Kattou, edited by Yanis Darras 08:53, March 01, 2023

Faced with France's delay, Emmanuel Macron announced that he was launching a free campaign for students of the fifth volunteers, vaccination against the papillomavirus.

This sexually transmitted virus can cause cancer in both women and men.

But, thanks to vaccination, 90% of them could be avoided. 

Catch up.

Faced with the lowest rate of vaccination against the papillomavirus, Emmanuel Macron announced a free campaign for all fifth-grade students.

From September, voluntary college students, provided they have the agreement of their parents, will be able to participate. 

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Fight against cancer

Because with barely 40% of women who have received their two injections, and less than 10% among men, France is a red lantern.

However, each year, the papillomavirus is responsible for more than 6,000 new cases of cancer, such as cancer of the cervix, but also of the throat or even of the penis.

Nearly 90% of these tumors could have been prevented with the vaccine.

A vaccine that also offers benefits in case of cancer. 

"When you have been treated for a precancerous lesion of the cervix, there is a risk of recurrence of the lesions. And what we know is that a woman who has been vaccinated and who, despite the vaccination, will eventually develop a precancerous lesion of the cervix, when it is treated, it has less risk of recurrence", explains to the microphone of Europe 1 Professor Xavier Carcopino, head of the gynecological surgery department at the North hospital in Marseille. 

Towards the disappearance of the papillomavirus?

The doctor hopes that this ease of access to the vaccine in colleges will encourage boys to get vaccinated.

"Boys are at a lower risk of papillomavirus-induced lesions because they won't get cervical cancer. But they can get throat cancer, penile cancer, etc." , underlines nevertheless the professor.

"Thus, by vaccinating both sexes, we will reduce the circulation of the virus in the population", continues Xavier Carcopino, who estimates that, thanks to massive vaccination of young people, the papillomavirus could disappear within a few years.