Increase in HPV Vaccinations Yet Targets Still Unmet

Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccinating both girls and boys against human papillomavirus (HPV) prior to their first sexual encounters. For individuals aged 14 and under, only two doses of the vaccine are needed.

Recent data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) indicates that only 55% of 15-year-old girls and 34% of their male counterparts have received complete HPV vaccinations. The target vaccination rate set by health authorities is 90%. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends the two-dose vaccination series for children aged 9 to 14, ideally before they become sexually active, with a minimum interval of five months between doses. If vaccination begins after age 14 or if the doses are administered less than five months apart, a third dose is required. Vaccination can also be beneficial for adults.

Franz Kohlhuber, chair of the German Cancer Aid, highlighted the critical role vaccinations play in cancer prevention. He noted that many parents lack sufficient information about the cancer-causing viruses and miss opportunities to vaccinate their children, thereby failing to protect them against potential cancers. He advocates for enhanced informational strategies and organized initiatives in Germany that can remind children and parents about vaccinations, such as school-based vaccination programs.

The HPV vaccine not only protects against uncomfortable warts but also against HPV types that can lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anal area, and even the mouth and throat.

While the German Cancer Aid and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) report stagnant vaccination rates, the DAK Health insurance company noted a 12% increase in initial HPV vaccinations from 2022 to 2023. Based on DAK data, approximately 585,000 individuals received their first dose in the previous year, although this figure reflects a 30% decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The HPV vaccine has been available since 2006, initially recommended only for girls aged 12 to 17. In 2014, the age range was expanded to include those aged 9 to 14, and in 2018, vaccination for boys was officially recommended. Health insurance providers cover the costs of the vaccine for individuals up to age 18, with partial coverage extending beyond that age.

Furthermore, the German Institute for Drug Assessment (DAPI) reported the distribution of approximately 1.07 million HPV vaccine doses through pharmacies in 2024, which does not account for privately insured children and adolescents.

DAPI analyzed data from the reduction of the age recommendation in 2014 to 2024 and found that the number of vaccine doses administered from 2014 to 2018 was approximately 0.75 million. This number surged to 1.33 million in 2019 and remained high at 1.35 million during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it dropped to 0.87 million in 2022 before rising again to 0.96 million and eventually reaching 1.07 million doses.

In alignment with the World Health Organization's (WHO) goals, Dr. Michael Hubmann, president of the Professional Association of Pediatricians, emphasized that much work remains to be done. By 2030, the aim is for at least 90% of girls to be vaccinated, with a significant increase in vaccination rates among boys. Effective vaccination programs could prevent severe illnesses and reduce healthcare costs, necessitating comprehensive efforts to realize the full potential of preventive measures.