Few people today are aware that many cancers can be prevented by vaccination and that vaccination rates vary greatly among different European countries. This is due to inadequate information and insufficient vaccine supply as part of national healthcare coverage.
The HPV vaccine targets the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection that causes 4,5% of all cancers in women and men, including cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulval, and head & neck cancers.
It is obvious: tens of thousands of lives could be saved each year in Europe by implementing effective immunisation measures. Time and again, vaccination has been proven to be a safe and effective way to prevent infections and reduce the risk of developing HPV and HBV-related cancers, even later in life and across all genders.
It is of vital importance that European countries implement HPV vaccination programmes that are gender-neutral and inclusive across the population. Only then can we protecting ourselves and our loved ones from these deadly cancers.
On European Immunisation Week, let’s spread the word and make a stand. Together, let's promote inclusive vaccination measures, effective and comprehensive screening practices, and awareness across all genders and ages.
Learn more here about our first PROTECT-EUROPE Masterclass on understanding HPV epidemiology and reaching equity through gender-neutral vaccination, which we have held during European Immunisation Week 2024. Watch the recording of the masterclass below.
