From February 1, vaccination against human papillomavirus is free for everyone between 9 and 21 years old. “With the free HPV vaccination, we save hundreds of people in Austria from cancer every year and save many lives,” said Health Minister Johannes Rauch. “This is a milestone in Austrian healthcare,” says Rauch. Viruses are the main cause of many cancers.
The free vaccinations will be available throughout Austria from 1 February. They are administered by general practitioners, the vaccination centers of the federal states, in the context of military service and in school vaccination campaigns. The HPV vaccination offers protection against nine HPV types and therefore also covers the high-risk types with the highest carcinogenic potential.
The vaccination schedule provides for two vaccinations
According to the updated advice from the National Immunization Panel, two vaccinations are given six to twelve months apart. Until now, three doses have been recommended from the age of 18 years. However, according to the experts, there is now enough data to stick to a two-dose vaccination schedule until the end of the 21st year, which is already common practice in other EU countries, was emphasized.
90 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women aged 15 to 44 in the EU, after breast cancer. According to studies, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 90 percent of cases, the Ministry of Health reported. In Austria, between 400 and 500 women become ill each year and almost half die as a result. Men also suffer from genital and throat cancers caused by human papillomaviruses.
Rauch hopes for a sharp increase in demand
Infection occurs through skin-to-skin contact. “Mechanical” protection from contraceptives does not help against infection. An infection may initially go unnoticed and lead to illness many years later. “That’s why it’s important to get vaccinated at a young age,” says Rauch. He expects a sharp increase in demand due to the extension of the age limit as part of the free vaccination program: “Now children and young people who have not been vaccinated between nine and eleven can now catch up with the vaccination rate.” free.” In Austria, it has been offered to young boys and girls since 2014.
Half of the Austrians indicated in a survey that regular cancer screening is very important to them. 48 percent of the population has already had multiple cancer screenings. But a quarter has never had a check-up such as a mole check, prostate examination, colonoscopy or early detection of breast cancer. However, early diagnosis can make the difference between life and death, as a delay in diagnosis can be associated with a significantly higher mortality rate in certain tumor entities.
Source: Krone
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