Overview
- Only 55% of 15-year-old girls and 34% of boys in Germany are vaccinated against HPV, far below countries like Norway and Portugal with rates nearing 90%.
- HPV is linked to several cancers, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers, with 7,850 new HPV-related cancer cases reported annually in Germany.
- Experts stress the importance of vaccinating children between the ages of 9 and 14, as the vaccine is most effective before the onset of sexual activity.
- Efforts to increase HPV vaccination rates include public awareness events, such as the Frauen100 Health Dinner, and calls for school-based vaccination programs.
- While some regions, like Rheinland-Pfalz and Hessen, have seen modest increases in HPV vaccinations post-pandemic, overall rates remain significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels.