Vaccination against HPV

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Infection with a certain type of HPV can lead to cervical cancer. Less commonly, HPV can also lead to cancers that affect the vulva, groin, vagina and anus. Both women and men can become infected with HPV. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, or other genital contact.

You can get vaccinated against HPV. Vaccination does not completely eliminate the risk of developing cervical cancer; however, it reduces the risk considerably.

There are over a hundred types of HPV, about 15 of which cause cervical cancer. HPV types 6 and 11 rarely give rise to cervical cancers, but are responsible for about 90% of the cases of genital warts. HPV types 16 and 18 are high-risk types, causing the majority (approximately 70%) of cervical cancers. HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 are also high-risk types, causing 19% of cervical cancers.

For vaccination, we use the HPV vaccine Gardasil 9, which provides protection against nine types of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58). Vaccination is available for a fee. The price of one dose of Gardasil 9 is €148.

Vaccination for people over 18 years of age consists of three doses administered into a muscle over 6 months.

From 01.02.2024, HPV vaccination will be provided free of charge to all young people aged 12-18 (including) years. The vaccination course consists of one dose. The exception is children with immunity, whose vaccination course is three doses. In order to vaccinate a young person under the age of 18, a parent's written consent is required, which is why we ask minors to come to the appointment with a parent.

To get vaccinated, book an appointment with a midwife at the front desk, through the national e-booking system or by calling 666 1900.

Vaccination, alongside regular check-ups by a gynaecologist, provides the best protection against cervical cancer.

Vaccination against HPV ITK 759