Free HPV vaccination up to 30: act and protect now!

Free HPV vaccination up to 30: act and protect now!

An important initiative to combat HPV infections and the associated health risks has recently been extended. The HPV vaccination remains free of charge up to the age of 30, which is an important step towards promoting young people. By the end of 2025, young adults have the opportunity to get the first vaccination and the second to June 2026. This was made possible by a decision by the Federal target control commission, which also initiated a "catch-up action", in which the maximum age for free vaccination was raised to 30 years. The costs of the extension amount to 3.5 million euros, an investment amount that shows how seriously the health policy actors take the topic.

The response to the free vaccination offers is promising. Since the introduction of the catch-up action, over 130,000 HPV vaccinations have been registered in the age group of 21 to 30 year olds. A remarkable event was the implementation of vaccinations at the Vienna Danube Island Festival, where 400 people took the opportunity to be vaccinated. Despite these positive feedback, there is a clear request for improvement: the "HPV vaccination now!" Request a permanent admission of the HPV vaccination for under-30-year-olds to the permanent vaccination program.

vaccination rates and regional differences

The vaccination rate against HPV varies greatly between the federal states in Germany. According to the current status, Bremen achieved a vaccination rate of only 32.9 percent in 2024, while Saxony-Anhalt recorded impressive 65.7 percent-a remarkable difference of almost 33 percentage points. In a European comparison, Germany occupies 19th place in relation to HPV vaccinations. Leaders such as Iceland and Norway reach vaccination rates between 85 and 96 percent.

In total, only 49.5 percent of 15-year-old girls in Germany are fully vaccinated against HPV. The goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) to vaccinate at least 90 percent of this age group by 2030 remains unmatched. For the boys, the vaccination rate is only 30 percent, and here too, an increased need for action becomes clear. Regional differences are considerable and illustrate the need for targeted measures to increase the vaccination rates.

health policy measures and future challenges

The number of newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer in Germany is alarming. In 2022, almost 4,400 women fell ill from this disease, and over 1,400 women died of it. HPV viruses, which are mainly transmitted by sexual contact, are a main cause of cervical cancer and can also cause other types of cancer in men. For this reason, early vaccination, especially before the first sexual intercourse, is of great importance.

The pandeme-related vaccination tiredness has strongly influenced the HPV vaccination rates, and the Enlightenment and targeted measures are now more urgent than ever. The Ministry plans to improve the willingness of vaccination not only against HPV, but also in other vaccinations and measles. There is a clear need for action to increase the stagnating vaccination rates.

Overall, it can be seen that the measures to combat HPV and to increase the vaccination rates in Germany bring with them both success and considerable challenges. The next few years will be crucial to achieve the goals set and to promote the health of young people sustainably.

For further information on the HPV vaccination and the current developments, please visit the websites of 5min , aok and Health insurance center .