Poland’s Ministry of Health will make HPV vaccinations mandatory for children and youth aged 9-15 starting in 2027, covering birth years 2018 and later.
Ministry of Health Announces HPV Vaccinations – For Whom Will They Be Mandatory?
From 2027, Poland will implement significant changes to its vaccination calendar. According to media reports, vaccination against the HPV virus will become mandatory for children and youth aged 9-15 years. The information was confirmed by Minister of Health Jolanta Sobierańska-Grenda.
The Ministry of Health announces an intensive educational campaign.
Mandatory and Free HPV Vaccinations – List of Birth Years and Rules
New regulations will affect children born in 2018 and younger birth years – media report. The obligation will apply to both girls and boys, which is crucial from a public health perspective.
The HPV vaccine will be free and funded from public funds.
Why is the HPV Virus Dangerous? Types of Cancers
The HPV virus (Human Papillomavirus) is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, most often at the beginning of sexual activity. Infections affect both women and men.
Statistics are alarming – up to 80% of sexually active people will encounter HPV in their lifetime. Although many infections are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously, some lead to the development of cancer.
Every case of cervical cancer is preceded by a chronic HPV infection.
HPV Infection Statistics in Poland and Worldwide
According to global data, approximately 300 million new HPV infections occur each year worldwide. It is estimated that the virus is responsible for nearly 690,000 cancer cases annually worldwide, of which over 3,000 affect Poland.
It is precisely this data that stands behind the decision to introduce a universal vaccination obligation.
Effectiveness of the HPV Vaccine: When is the Best Time to Vaccinate a Child?
Experts agree – the HPV vaccine achieves the highest effectiveness before the start of sexual activity. The younger the child, the better the immune response and greater protection against future infection.
Therefore, the vaccination obligation for the 9-15 age group is crucial for reducing cancer cases in the coming decades. Australia has dealt with the HPV problem, which last year recorded no new cases of cervical cancer in people under 25 years of age.