The HPV vaccination, which protects against cervical cancer, among other things, is free up to the age of 30. The federal, state and health insurers reached an agreement on this on Monday morning. The vaccination has so far cost several hundred euros, depending on the provider and the federal state (see video above).
“I support the expansion of the public vaccination program by raising the age limit for HPV vaccination to 30 years. In this way we can further extend the protective effect against common forms of cancer (…),” says Andreas Huss from the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) and the umbrella organization of social insurance companies.
The HPV vaccination (human papillomavirus, take note) reduces the risk of genital warts and cervical cancer by up to 90 percent. It also reduces the risk of cancer of the throat, larynx, vagina, anus and penis.
Included in the vaccination plan
According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the vaccination could prevent 180 deaths per year across Austria. Since February 1, 2023, the HPV vaccine has been free for children, adolescents and young adults between 9 and 21 years old. Since then, almost twice as many people have been vaccinated as before (106,000 in total). By the end of 2025, young adults up to the age of 30 should be able to receive the HPV vaccination for free.
It is offered, among other things, in schools (especially in the fourth grade), in public vaccination centers in the states such as district authorities and by practicing doctors. “High vaccination rates can be achieved with school vaccinations, because all social classes can be easily reached here. We must ensure that this setting is particularly visible. But teenagers and young adults could also be reached well in companies with company doctors,” Huss said in a broadcast.
Decision probably in April
The decision on the public vaccination program is expected to be taken in April. The offer should amount to 90 million euros. “The HPV vaccination is the only vaccination against cancer. It saves many lives in Austria every year (…). Health should not be a matter of income,” said Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens). Depending on the provider and the federal state, the HPV vaccination costs several hundred euros.
At least 80 percent of all women and men will be infected with HPV at least once in their lives. Between 400 and 500 women get cervical cancer every year. Transmission occurs via skin-to-skin contact and cannot be prevented by the use of contraceptives. An infection can initially go unnoticed and lead to illness many years later.
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.
