HPV Vaccination Proves Highly Effective Against Cancer-Causing Strains

Fri 11th Jul, 2025

The vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been shown to be significantly effective in combating specific strains of the virus that can lead to cervical cancer, according to a recent study conducted in Denmark. The findings were published in the journal Eurosurveillance, which is associated with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in Stockholm.

Since the introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls in Denmark in 2008, followed by its recommendation for boys in 2018, there has been a notable decline in the prevalence of high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and 18. The study analyzed data from approximately 17,000 cervical cancer screening tests conducted over seven years on women aged 22 to 30. Results indicated that by 2021, less than 1% of vaccinated women were infected with HPV 16 or 18, a stark contrast to the 15-17% infection rate observed prior to the initiation of the vaccination program.

Even among unvaccinated women, the infection rate for these strains dropped to about 5% in 2021, suggesting a significant herd immunity effect within the Danish population against these HPV variants. This decline is particularly significant given that before the vaccination campaign, around three-quarters of cervical cancer cases in Denmark were linked to HPV 16 and 18.

Cervical cancer ranks as the second-most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44 in Europe, following breast cancer. The implications of this study underscore the importance of vaccination in reducing the risk of cervical cancer among women. Evidence suggests that girls vaccinated against HPV during childhood experience a substantially lower risk of developing cervical cancer compared to their unvaccinated peers.

In Germany, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) has recommended the HPV vaccination for girls since 2007 and for boys since 2018, targeting those aged 9 to 14. To achieve optimal protection, a series of two vaccinations spaced at least five months apart is advised.


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