The association “HPV vaccination now!” handed over a petition with 36,619 signatures to Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) on Monday. The signatories call for the free HPV vaccination to be extended until the age of 30. The offer is currently available to people up to 21 years old (see video above).
“An HPV vaccination costs more than 660 euros for people over 21 years old – that is simply unaffordable for young people,” said the chairman of the association, Florian Boschek. Only five percent of the 21 to 30 age group have been vaccinated despite ‘strong recommendations’ from the National Vaccination Commission.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common sexually transmitted disease. According to the association “HPV Vaccination Now!” There are more than 400 new cases of cervical cancer and more than 1,200 cases of cancer of the neck and throat area in Austria every year, affecting both women and men. According to the association, about eight in ten people in Austria develop HPV at least once in their lives.
Infection goes unnoticed
The infection itself goes unnoticed but can cause various types of cancer and genital cancer. In Austria, 6,000 procedures per year can be attributed to the viruses. The vaccine is only available free of charge for young people aged nine to 21, after which it costs several hundred euros.
Sexual health should not be unaffordable, the association’s members say in a press release. “Young people have the right to prevention and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Current health care reform offers a good opportunity to ensure this protection and make sexual health accessible to all,” the report said. Rauch should consider extending the free vaccination to age 30.
The demand is supported, among others, by the Federal Youth Representation Council and the Austrian Students’ Union, as well as by medical organizations.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
