In Brazil, the HPV vaccine, which has been available through the public health system (SUS) since 2014, is often out of reach for adult women who are either too old to have received it in their youth or cannot afford the high costs of private vaccination. Paula Vilela, who was just 14 when the vaccination program started, now finds herself needing to pay around R$ 3,000 to receive the vaccine privately. This situation highlights a significant gap in public health services for adult women, particularly those up to 45 years old who are recommended for vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women under 35 in Brazil, according to data from the National Cancer Institute (Inca). The disease, which can be effectively prevented through vaccination, has seen alarming projections with the incidence expected to rise by 14% by 2028, estimating an additional 19,000 new cases annually. This imminent health crisis underscores the importance of encouraging vaccination and increasing accessibility in both public and private healthcare settings. March 4 marks the International HPV Awareness Day, a significant date for raising awareness about the prevention and control of HPV-related diseases.

The initial rollout of the HPV vaccine through SUS focused on children and adolescents aged 9 to 13 years, later expanding age groups but still leaving a portion of women who are now of adult age without vaccination options. This highlights the need for comprehensive policies to ensure that women of all ages can access essential vaccinations, which is crucial not just for individual health but for public health in general.