Thread: Cervical cancer vaccine available by May

Cervical cancer vaccine available by May



The first vaccine against cervical cancer is expected to be approved for use in Thailand by May, the Siriraj Hospital Medical Conference was told Wednesday.

Currently, two cervical vaccines were being considered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the medical recommendation was being drafted by concerned medical associations, said Asst Prof Dr Chaiyod Thirapakawong, who is a member of the FDA's advisory committee on this matter.

"As far as I am concerned, the FDA will approve the vaccine for use by May," he said, adding: "But it's the FDA that will make the final decision [not us]."

However, due to the high price of the vaccines - around Bt12,000 per person - Chaiyod said he was certain the government would not cover the cost of the inoculations.

"From my experience, it's highly unlikely the government will invest a huge sum in such a prevention, but will rather shoulder the burden of the disease later," said the doctor.

The Nation