France Takes Bold Step Against Cancer: HPV Vaccine Now Available & Reimbursed Up to Age 26
PARIS, FRANCE – In a landmark decision poised to significantly impact public health, France is extending HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination coverage to all individuals up to the age of 26, effective December 12, 2025. This expansion, announced by the High Authority for Health (HAS), includes a 65% reimbursement rate for the Gardasil 9 vaccine, making crucial cancer prevention accessible to a wider population. This is breaking news with far-reaching implications for both men and women.
Why This Matters: HPV & The Silent Cancer Threat
HPV is incredibly common – affecting an estimated 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives. While often asymptomatic and cleared by the immune system, in roughly 10% of cases, the infection persists, potentially leading to precancerous lesions and, ultimately, cancer. Currently, HPV is responsible for approximately 7,130 new cancer cases annually in France. But it’s not just cervical cancer. HPV is a significant contributor to anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and aerodigestive tract cancers – a fact often overlooked. In fact, a startling one-third of HPV-related cancers occur in men.
Beyond Cervical Cancer: A Disease Affecting Everyone
For too long, HPV vaccination has been viewed as primarily a women’s health issue. Professor Doctor Christophe Hommel, a specialist in travel medicine at Strasbourg University Hospital, emphasizes this misconception. “It is important to remember that a third of cancers caused by HPV infections affect men,” he explains. This broadened understanding is a key driver behind the expanded vaccination program. The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, meaning all sexual practices can pose a risk of transmission. Contrary to popular belief, condoms offer only partial protection, and even having a single partner doesn’t guarantee safety.
Addressing a Knowledge Gap: Why Young Adults Need to Know
A recent Ipsos8 survey for MSD revealed a concerning gap in knowledge among 18-26 year olds. While 80% have heard of HPV, only 30% feel well-informed. Even more alarming, only a third express concern about contracting the virus, despite being at peak risk. Many mistakenly believe protection during sex or having a single partner is sufficient, demonstrating a critical need for improved education. Dr. Hommel notes, “Many young people remain poorly informed about the risks associated with HPV, unaware that these infections can cause serious cancers in both men and women. This lack of knowledge hinders vaccination, which is essential to prevent these diseases.”
Catching Up on Protection: The New Reimbursement Details
While school vaccination programs have seen some success, coverage remains insufficient. In 2024, only 48% of girls and 24.5% of boys aged 16 had completed the recommended two-dose schedule – falling short of national (80% by 2030) and World Health Organization (90% for girls aged 15) targets. This new policy directly addresses this gap. Previously, catch-up vaccination was limited to age 19, with exceptions for men who have sex with men up to age 26. Now, all individuals aged 20-26 who weren’t vaccinated during adolescence are eligible. The Gardasil 9 vaccine is now reimbursed at 65% by Health Insurance, with the remaining cost often covered by supplemental insurance.
Vaccination Schedule & Continued Screening: A Two-Pronged Approach
The HPV vaccine is readily available through doctors, midwives, nurses, and pharmacists. The schedule varies by age: two doses spaced 5-13 months apart for those aged 11-14, and three doses at 0, 2, and 6 months for those aged 15-26. Importantly, vaccination isn’t a replacement for regular screening. Women aged 25-65 should continue to undergo cervical cancer screening via Pap smears or HPV testing, even after vaccination. This combined approach – vaccination and screening – offers the most robust protection against preventable cancers.
This expansion of HPV vaccination in France represents a significant investment in the health of its citizens, particularly young adults. By increasing access and addressing knowledge gaps, France is taking a proactive step towards reducing the burden of HPV-related cancers and safeguarding the future health of generations to come. For more information on HPV and vaccination, visit your healthcare provider or consult the resources available on the French Health Authority website. Stay tuned to archyde.com for ongoing coverage of this important public health story and other breaking news updates.
