HPV in Austria: vaccinations, risks and protection for everyone

HPV in Austria: vaccinations, risks and protection for everyone

HPV, or humane papilloma viruses, are viruses that are common worldwide and can cause a variety of health problems. These include genital warts as well as cancer precursors and even various types of cancer. These infections can be transferred primarily through sexual contact. A factual knowledge of HPV is crucial to better understand the risks and take suitable prevention measures.

The HPV vaccination is an effective means of protecting yourself from the serious consequences of these virus infections. Health authorities recommend that you get vaccinated at a young age, ideally between 9 and 14 years. For maximum effectiveness, two to three doses are usually necessary, depending on the age of the patient at the time of the first vaccination.

The importance of HPV vaccination

The decision to vaccinate the HPV is not only a personal, but also a community: the higher the vaccination rate, the better the entire population is protected. It is known that the majority of sexually active people come into contact with HPV at some point in life, with most infections asymptomatic. Nevertheless, serious clinical pictures can occur in some cases, which is why vaccination is of crucial importance.

The most common complications related to HPV are cervical carcinomas that can trigger the most common type of cancer in women. Studies show that vaccination can significantly reduce the incidence of these cancer. Therefore, experts encourage women and men to be vaccinated and take part in preventive examinations at an early stage.

The vaccines against HPV that are currently available offer protection against several tribes of the virus, including those that are most often associated with cancer. The costs of vaccination are partially or completely covered by the health systems in many countries, which represents an additional incentive.

comprehensive information is important: schools and doctors should be able to inform parents and adolescents properly about the advantages and necessities of the HPV vaccination. Fears or prejudices against vaccinations can be broken down. The more knowledge is spread about HPV, the higher the likelihood that people can be vaccinated and the spread of the virus is reduced.

Insights of further information on HPV vaccination and current health policy developments in Austria can be found in numerous medical journals and websites.