HPV vaccination: protection against cancer - everything you need to know!

HPV vaccination: protection against cancer - everything you need to know!

hpv, these are the human papilloma viruses, and they play a much greater role in health than many are aware of. These viruses are known to cause various health problems, including genital warts and even dangerous cancer. Therefore, vaccination against HPV is of the utmost importance and should be considered by everyone.

The main transmission paths of the HPV infection are sexual contacts. There are many different types of HPV, some of which are harmless, while others can pose serious health risks. In the worst case, chronic infections with certain high-risk HPV types can lead to cervical cancer. It is important to be informed that not only women are affected; Men can also have serious health problems, including penis cancer and anal cancer.

When and how often should vaccinations take place?

The recommendation for HPV vaccination is aimed particularly at young people before they become sexually active. In Austria, vaccination for girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 14 is recommended. The optimal number of vaccinations to ensure protection is usually two doses that must be administered within a certain period of time. A third dose is often recommended for older young people and young adults.

vaccinating early is crucial, because the older you get, the higher the risk of infecting yourself with HPV. The vaccination time plays an important role because it should be placed before the first sexual activity in order to offer optimal protection. In many countries, the costs for the HPV vaccination are covered by the health insurance companies, which increases accessibility.

A vaccination against HPV is not only personal protection, but also a social contribution to health care. Since HPV is widespread, a high vaccination rate in the population can lead to reducing the transmission rates and thus reducing HPV-related diseases.