The free HPV vaccination for 9 to 20-year-olds in Austria will start on Wednesday. Until now, the offer was only free for children between nine and eleven years old. The vaccination is effective against cancers such as cervical, anus and throat cancer.
Anal and throat cancer affects all genders. The HPV vaccination is also effective against penile carcinoma in men, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer in women. In 2014, the vaccine was included in the free childhood vaccination program. Now the age limit has been extended. From Wednesday 1 February, the vaccination will be available free of charge for 9 to 20-year-olds in Vienna, for example, at selected city vaccination centers and from local doctors. For example, appointments can be booked online at the city’s vaccination service or via the health hotline 1450.
Two vaccinations
Two partial vaccinations are given, with a minimum interval of six months between them. If one of these has already been carried out before February 1, 2023, a later cost reimbursement is not possible. If only the second partial vaccination takes place after February 1, it is free. If the first partial vaccination is given before the 21st birthday, the second after the deadline is also free.
“Far too little is known about the HPV vaccine, while it can provide such great protection against serious cancer. It is fortunate that such a good vaccination against HPV exists and that is why I ask all young people of Vienna to take advantage of this free offer. I would especially advise boys and young men not to be unnecessarily vain when it comes to protecting themselves and those around them,” said Vienna City Councilor for Health Peter Hacker (SPÖ).
Preferably before the first sexual contact
Ideally, the vaccination should be given before the first sexual contact, as the protective effect is greatest at this time. In general, the HPV vaccine is also recommended for older, sexually active people. Three partial vaccinations are required from the 21st birthday. According to the Austrian vaccination plan, HPV vaccination is “recommended for all people up to the age of 30, after that it is optional”.
However, for this group it is often a matter of cost. The retail price in pharmacies across Austria is EUR 215.50 per dose. The total costs are therefore at least 646.50 euros, excluding the fees for the vaccination itself. Vaccination for the younger group is paid for by the federal government, social security and the respective federal states.
Source: Krone
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