The Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology (PIDSOG) is calling on the Department of Health (DOH) to incorporate the 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the Philippine National Immunization Program. This recommendation follows a thorough review of local epidemiological data on HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer, which remains a significant public health concern in the Philippines.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that significantly impacts public health, leading to various cancers, particularly cervical cancer. In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44, with at least 12 women dying from it daily. To combat this, the Philippines introduced the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in 2017, providing free vaccinations to girls aged 9 to 14 through a school-based program. However, PIDSOG stresses that the 9-valent HPV vaccine, which provides broader protection against nine types of HPV, offers a more effective solution for reducing the incidence of HPV-related cancers.
“The nonavalent HPV vaccine offers broader coverage than the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines, protecting against nine HPV types,” PIDSOG emphasized in its position statement. Additionally, the vaccine is proven to be “highly effective in preventing high-grade cervical, vulvar, and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, which are precursors to cancer.”
The 9-valent HPV vaccine has been approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2017 and is widely used in private medical practice. It is also pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO), ensuring its safety and effectiveness. Studies from countries like Japan show that the 9-valent vaccine achieves earlier and more significant reductions in cervical cancer incidence compared to earlier vaccines. Thailand has also recently upgraded its national immunization program to include the 9-valent vaccine.
PIDSOG recommends that the 9-valent HPV vaccine be administered to individuals aged 9 to 14, with catch-up vaccination for those aged 15 to 26 where feasible. The organization highlights that the “2-dose regimen has been proven to elicit a robust immune response in adolescents aged 9–14 years,” while for those aged 15 or older, or those with immunocompromising conditions, “the 3-dose regimen is preferred to ensure adequate immunogenicity and sustained antibody levels.”
Increasing access to the 9-valent vaccine in the Philippines could prevent most cervical cancers and indirectly protect unvaccinated individuals through herd immunity. Widespread use of the vaccine “has the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of HPV-related cancers and diseases,” according to PIDSOG’s position paper. The group strongly supports integrating the 9-valent HPV vaccine into the national immunization program as a critical step in preventing HPV-related cancers and promoting equitable access to comprehensive healthcare for all Filipinos.
