HPV vaccination: Art project is intended to raise awareness of cancer prevention

HPV vaccination: Art project is intended to raise awareness of cancer prevention

On March 4, 2025, an impressive art project called "The Tied Virus" was presented in the Vienna State Opera as part of the HPV Avareness Day. This creative project, led by the artist collective Ringelreih, aims to draw attention to the dangers of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the possibilities of prevention. Margit Latschen, head of the MSD vaccine department, emphasized the importance of information about HPV and the opportunities that the free HPV vaccination offers for young people. This vaccination campaign is available for people between the ages of 21 and 30 by the end of 2025, which is a great opportunity to increase the vaccination rate. The educational association "HPV vaccination now!" hopes that many young people will take this opportunity to protect themselves from the cancer caused by HPV, such as cervical cancer, which affects almost 8,000 people annually, as ZDF reported.

The numbers speak for themselves

Current statistics show that the vaccination rate in Austria and Germany is still behind expectations. Only 55 percent of girls and 34 percent of boys aged 15 years are vaccinated. The gynecologist Dr. Michael Eichbaum points out that early vaccination, ideally from the first sexual contact, is the best way to protect against HPV infections. But adults can also benefit from a vaccination, as they significantly reduce the risk of developing HPV-related cancer. Studies show that the risk of cancer in fully vaccinated girls is almost 90 percent lower than in unvaccinated

Awareness of HPV and the importance of vaccination are important, especially in the light of the fact that HPV is transmitted through sexual contact and many infections are unnoticed. The higher the vaccination rate, the stronger the society can counteract the risks of HPV-related diseases. The initiatives for the HPV Avareness Day and the support of artists illustrate how urgently it is to inform the population about the dangers and prevention options and to increase the vaccination rate to avoid serious health risks.