Germany Faces Low HPV Vaccination Rates Despite Rising Awareness Efforts
HPV vaccination rates in Germany remain significantly lower than in other nations, with experts emphasizing the need for better education and organized initiatives.
- 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.