HPV: number of vaccinations tripled

Since the beginning of July, the HPV vaccination has been free from the 21st to the 30th birthday. The number of HPV vaccinations has tripled since then, and has even increased more than tenfold in the age group between the ages of 21 and 30. A total of 22,500 people were vaccinated against HPV in July, 17,500 of them between the ages of 21 and 30. “I know from personal experience how much suffering cancer causes. The expansion of HPV vaccination was therefore a matter close to my heart. It is the only vaccination that protects against cancer,” emphasizes Health and Social Affairs Minister Johannes Rauch. He appeals to young adults to get the vaccination: “Take advantage of this opportunity. This is how we can eradicate cervical cancer in Austria.” ***

Human papilloma viruses, HPV, are omnipresent: at least 80 percent of all women and men become infected during their lifetime. The viruses cause cervical cancer and other cancers of the middle throat and genital organs. 400 and 500 women in Austria develop cervical cancer every year. Almost half of them die from the disease.

Around 22,500 people were vaccinated against HPV in July, compared to 7,500 a year ago. In the age group between 21 and 30 birthdays, the number of HPV vaccinations rose from 1,400 to 17,500. In this age group, the vaccination has been free since July; previously, at least 600 euros had to be paid for it. Particularly pleasing: In addition to 12,300 women, over 5,000 men took advantage of the vaccination. They can also become ill with forms of cancer caused by HP viruses, but above all they pass the viruses on to their sexual partners.

“I worked very hard for this important preventative measure in negotiations with the states and social security. The balance sheet proves us right,” says Health Minister Johannes Rauch happily. He is announcing a new HPV vaccination campaign for the fall: “In order to achieve high vaccination rates, education and information are needed.” It is particularly pleasing that the HPV vaccination is also being actively promoted among the position commissions, where all young men are informed about it The Minister of Health emphasizes that vaccinations should be informed.