Human papillomaviruses (HPV) infect the skin and mucous membranes and are mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse or contact with mucous membranes. The HPV vaccination offers protection against this.
HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Up to 70% of the world's population is infected with it in the course of their lives. HP viruses can cause cervical cancer, precancerous lesions and genital warts.
Vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 11-14 years as a basic vaccination. If the vaccination was not administered at this age, it can be given as a booster vaccination at the age of 15-19 and as a supplementary vaccination at the age of 20-26. Vaccination protection is greatest if the vaccination is given before any HPV infection, i.e. before the first sexual contact.
The HPV vaccination is available in pharmacies from the age of 16 and up to the age of 26.
