HPV Vaccination
An Overview of the Most Important Facts About the HPV Vaccine
- HPV viruses are widespread and can cause various types of cancer.
- Vaccination can prevent nearly all HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer.
- Vaccination is recommended for all girls and boys aged 9 to 14.
- Boys should also be vaccinated, as they can become infected, develop cancer, or transmit the virus.
- Health insurance plans generally cover the costs until the age of 18.
HPV Vaccination: Effectively Protect Your Child Against Many Types of Cancer
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are widespread viruses that can cause various types of cancer. Early vaccination for all girls and boys aged 9 and older provides effective protection. In this article, learn why the HPV vaccine is important for your child’s health, when it is recommended, and what parents should know about it.
What exactly is HPV?
HPV is primarily transmitted through intimate contact. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Nearly everyone becomes infected with HPV at some point in their lives, often during their first sexual encounter.
In many cases, the infection clears up on its own.
However, certain HPV strains can cause cancer, such as cervical cancer, as well as cancer of the mouth and throat, the genital area, the anus, and the penis. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), approximately 10,000 people develop cancer each year as a result of HPV infections. Women are most commonly affected, but HPV viruses also cause tumors in men.
Why is the HPV vaccine so important?
Vaccination is the most effective protection against HPV-related cancers. The vaccine provides reliable protection, is safe, well-tolerated, and significantly reduces the risk of cancer—by more than 90 percent in the case of cervical cancer.
At what age is the HPV vaccine recommended?
Since HPV can be transmitted as early as the first sexual encounter, vaccination should take place before the first intimate contact. This allows the body to build up protection before the first exposure to the virus occurs.
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccinating all girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 14.
One advantage of early vaccination is that two doses are sufficient at this age. Starting at age 15, three vaccination doses are necessary to achieve full protection.
How does the vaccination process work?
There are two approved vaccines available for HPV vaccination. Regardless of which vaccine is chosen, the following recommendations apply.
For boys and girls aged 9 to 14:
- Two separate doses
- Interval of 5 to 13 months
- If the interval was shorter than 5 months, a third vaccination dose is recommended.
For boys and girls aged 15 and older:
- Three separate doses
- The vaccination clinic will determine the intervals with you, depending on the vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions from Parents About the HPV Vaccine
Where can we find help and advice?
The vaccine is offered by, among others, pediatricians, general practitioners, gynecologists, and urologists. A personal consultation can help answer any individual questions you may have about HPV infection and the vaccine.
You can also find a wealth of information on this topic online:
The Liebesleben portal provides information about the HPV vaccine and offers parents valuable facts to help them make an informed decision for their child’s health.
The Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG) offers easy-to-understand information with a special focus on children.
You can find other recommended portals with information on the HPV vaccine in the column on the right side of this page under “Links for Further Reading.”
You Might Also Be Interested in
More Information Links for Further Reading
Tips Download
