HPV vaccination in Latin America: Coverage status, implementation challenges and strategies to overcome it

The article discusses the challenges and opportunities for increasing HPV vaccination rates in Latin American countries. The World Health Organization's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) recommends updating dose schedules for HPV vaccines to allow more girls to access this life-saving intervention. School-based vaccine delivery programs have been shown to be effective in several countries, including the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of vaccination programs and increased interest in HPV vaccination. However, there is a need for catch-up vaccination programs to cover age tiers impacted by the pandemic. Overall, strategies such as health providers' recommendations, school-based delivery with health facilities, and one-dose schedules could be helpful in achieving universal vaccination coverage and eliminating deaths caused by cervical cancer.