Free HPV vaccination for young adults: Greens demand more!

Free HPV vaccination for young adults: Greens demand more!

Österreich - On June 28, 2025, the extension of the free HPV vaccination program for the age group from 21 to 30 years was announced as part of the Federal target control commission Health. Ralph Schallmeiner, the health spokesman for the Greens, was disappointed with the short -term solution and described the extension until the middle of next year as inadequate. He calls for long-term financing and a targeted information on HPV vaccination in order to effectively support public health care. In addition to the lack of information, the low through vaccination rate among young people is a central problem that needs to be addressed.

The previous developments show that due to persistent HPV infections, various types of cancer can occur, in particular carcinomas of the anogenital, mouth and throat space. The permanent vaccination commission has recommended the HPV vaccination for girls since 2007 and also for boys since 2018. According to the requirements, the vaccination series should ideally be completed before the first sexual contact. Nevertheless, the vaccination rate among the 15-year-old girls is about 50 % and less than 30 % for the boys, which is partly due to the risks of the HPV infection and the shame-related topic.

The challenges of the vaccination rate

The back numbers decreased confirm the difficulties that the program brings with it. In 2022, a decline of 26 % was recorded in the girls and 32 % in the boys, compared to 2019. This negative statistics can be explained, among other things, by the covid pandemic and a global scarcity of the HPV vaccine. In the first half of 2020, around 727,000 vaccinations were billed, while in 2022 a low was reached with only about 443,000 vaccinations. It was not until 2023 that a recovery was found with over a million prescribed vaccinations.

In addition, an information campaign by the Federal Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, which was launched in April 2024, is decisive to promote vaccinations. The experts agree that the HPV protection vaccination can make an effective contribution to oncological prevention. Nevertheless, it remains crucial that both Minister Schumann and State Secretary Königsberger-Ludwig contribute to improving the situation to ensure that young people have access and vaccinations.

outlook and other measures

Schallmeiner points out that questions about ensuring uniform quality standards and the implementation of the action plan for people with post -viral diseases remain open. The challenges in the HPV vaccination are far from being solved. Comprehensive efforts are required to increase the lower vaccination rates and to clarify society about the dangers of HPV infections. Nevertheless, the expansion of the vaccination program can be seen as a step in the right direction if it is combined with a long -term strategy and effective information campaigns.

For detailed information about the vaccination recommendations and principles of the HPV vaccination, articles on href = "https://www.insight-health.de/deu_de/magazin/article/marktdaten-hpv-impfungen-seit-2014.html"> insight-health.de . A sustainable solution to the challenges in the health sector, especially with regard to the HPV vaccination, must continue to be the focus.

The topics of prevention and education on sexual health issues are particularly relevant for future society, and politics must act accordingly in order to bring about the necessary changes.