“The figures for July 2024 show us: extending free access for everyone up to 30 was a right and important decision. Around 17,500 vaccinations in the age group between 21 and 29 are clear evidence of this,” said Green health spokesman Ralph Schallmeiner today in an initial reaction to the latest figures on HPV vaccination published by Health Minister Johannes Rauch. At the same time, Schallmeiner welcomes the Health Minister’s announcement that he will launch a campaign in the fall to raise even more awareness of this important prevention offer.
However, Schallmeiner sees a need for men and boys to catch up in the figures presented: “While women and girls are significantly more accepting of the free offer of vaccination against diseases transmitted and caused by HPV viruses, the willingness to vaccinate is still lagging behind, especially among men and boys . A significant increase in the vaccination rate for all genders would be important. Men are not only carriers and distributors of HPV viruses, but are themselves affected by certain diseases caused by HPV. This is not just about making a contribution in solidarity, but also about self-protection.” From the Green perspective, the figures presented are clear: While 12,334 women between the ages of 21 and 29 were vaccinated in July, there were only 5,082 for men .
Finally, the Green health spokesman appeals once again to all parents as well as to all adolescents and young adults: “Let us take advantage of this important vaccination offer, which protects against cervical cancer as well as against genital warts, for example. Dear parents, register your children for the free vaccination campaign at school. Dear teenagers, from the age of 14 you can decide for yourself to get vaccinated. In any case: Talk to your doctor, find out about this important offer and take advantage of it.”
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