VACCINATIONS
What is HPV?
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a group of more than 200 related viruses. They are among the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Most infections are asymptomatic and resolve on their own; about 90 percent clear up without complications. But some infections persist. Persistent high-risk HPV types can eventually lead to cancer, mainly of the cervix, but also of the anus, penis, mouth, and throat.
Globally, HPV types 16 and 18 account for about 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases. Types 6 and 11 mainly cause genital warts. The currently approved vaccines effectively protect against these high-risk and low-risk types, although not all HPV types can be prevented yet.
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How does HPV spread?
HPV spreads through close skin-to-skin contact during intimate activities, not only during sexual intercourse but also through intimate touching or petting. Almost everyone will catch at least one type of HPV at some point in life.
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Why vaccinate children aged 9 to 14?
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before any contact with the virus, ideally before sexual activity begins. The younger the child is when they receive their first shot, the better their body can produce protective antibodies. Studies indicate that children vaccinated between the ages of 9 and 14 develop very high antibody levels, offering strong and lasting protection against the covered HPV types.
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Costs
The HPV vaccination is recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) and is considered a standard vaccination. This generally means that statutory health insurance covers the full cost, and many private health insurance providers also reimburse it. If you have private insurance, it’s always a good idea to check your policy details or contact your provider to confirm. This allows you to protect your child against certain types of cancer safely and without unexpected costs. to effectively
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The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) has recommended HPV vaccination for girls since 2007 and for boys since June 2018.
Both boys and girls should receive the HPV vaccine between the ages of 9 and 14.
During this age, two HPV doses are required, with a 5-month interval between them.
Missed HPV vaccinations should be completed as soon as possible and before the 18th birthday.
For the first vaccination at age 15, three doses are necessary. The timing of these doses may vary depending on the vaccine used.
In both cases, the goal is to be within a year if possible. The specific vaccination dates can be discussed with the doctor during the first appointment.
After vaccination, infection with other types of HPV can still occur. Therefore, regular cervical cancer screening remains vital for vaccinated women.
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Side Effect
Vaccination against HPV is generally well tolerated and safe. Common reactions include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Headaches, muscle aches, fever, gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, and fatigue may also occur. These symptoms are typically short-lived and show that the body is responding to the vaccine. Serious side effects are rare. Allergic reactions are possible. If there is intolerance to the active ingredient or any other part of the vaccine, vaccination should not be given.
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The HPV vaccine is a safe, effective way to protect children against the most dangerous HPV types. It dramatically reduces the risk of certain cancers and genital warts. Discuss this with your doctor and use the opportunity to protect your child early.
You want to learn more? Here you’ll find my blog post: “Imagine a World Without HPV-Related Cancer – The Importance of Early HPV Vaccination Between Ages 9–14.”
Resources:
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-jugendliche-12-17-jahre/hpv-humane-papillomaviren/
https://www.aeggf.de/hpv-impfung/
https://www.rki.de/SharedDocs/FAQs/DE/Impfen/HPV/FAQ-Liste_HPV_Impfen.html
https://www.rki.de/EN/Topics/Infectious-diseases/Immunisation/Research-projects/invest-hpv.html
Bhalerao V, Patel R, Johnson L, et al.
Global impact of HPV vaccination programs: successes and remaining challenges.Vaccine. 2024;42(2):123-130. DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.001
González-Rodríguez A, Martín-Sánchez V, Ruiz-García M.
Long-term effectiveness and safety of HPV vaccines: a systematic review.International Journal of Cancer. 2024;154(1):12-21. DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34720
Garland SM, Brotherton JML, Condon JR, et al.
Human papillomavirus prevalence among indigenous and non-indigenous Australian women: a national population-based study.Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2011;204(9):1375-1383. DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir499
Taira AV, Neukermans CP, Sanders GD.
Evaluating human papillomavirus vaccination programs.Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2004;10(11):1915-1923. DOI: 10.3201/eid1011.040127
Lei J, Ploner A, Elfström KM, et al.
HPV vaccination and the risk of invasive cervical cancer.New England Journal of Medicine. 2020;383(14):1340-1348. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1917338
Schlecht NF, Diaz A, Nucci-Sack A, et al.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus types in adolescent and young adult women following the introduction of the HPV vaccine.Papillomavirus Research. 2021;11:100202. DOI: 10.1016/j.pvr.2021.100202
Stand 07/2025