Free HPV Vaccination Offer in Austria is Expiring

The HPV vaccination against several types of cancer is only free for 21- to 29-year-olds for a few more weeks. The offer runs until June 30, 2026, but the first vaccination must be administered by December 31, 2025, so that the second dose, scheduled for six months later, is also free. The Cancer Aid and the Working Group for Gynecological Oncology (AGO-Austria) pointed this out on Thursday. From the ninth to 21st birthday, the HPV vaccination remains free.

Austria at the Forefront of Prevention

The introduction of the HPV vaccination was a milestone in the fight against cancer, it was emphasized in the release. It is proven to be effective against precancerous stages and subsequently against six HPV-associated cancers - namely cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, and anus, as well as cancer forms in the throat and larynx area.

"Austria has one of the world's best vaccination programs against HPV-associated cancers," explained AGO President Nicole Concin. Currently, the HPV vaccination is offered free of charge for girls and women as well as boys and men from the ninth to the 30th birthday. "Take advantage of this great opportunity to protect yourself from the onset of cancer," Concin urged.

Worldwide Fight Against Cervical Cancer

In August 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a resolution calling for the elimination of cervical cancer and adopted a strategy for implementation. 194 countries, including Austria, have joined the goals and thereby commit, among other things, to achieving a 90 percent HPV vaccination rate by 2030.

"We once again appeal to the population to take advantage of this opportunity," said Anton-H. Graf, board member of the Austrian Cancer Aid. The vaccination against HPV is prophylactically effective. Therefore, it is best administered between the ages of nine and eleven, according to the National Vaccination Plan. At this age, the immune response to the vaccination is optimal, and the protection is particularly long-lasting, usually occurring before the first sexual contacts, thus mostly before contact with HPV.

Greens Criticize Expiration of the Offer: "Room for Improvement"

The health spokesperson for the Greens, Ralph Schallmeiner, called on the federal government in a release to maintain the free vaccination offer beyond June 30, 2026. The expiration of the regulation would be a step backward in public health protection, he said. "Especially among the 21- to 30-year-olds, we still have significant room for improvement in terms of vaccination rates. This age group has long been insufficiently reached - now that the offer is finally starting to take effect, it is not the time to end it."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.