The state of Vorarlberg invites you to a vaccination week against the human papilloma virus (HPV) and measles/mumps/rubella. From March 18th to 25th, appointments for free vaccination against these diseases will be offered daily in Dornbirn and Nüziders. We want to increase the vaccination rate in order to prevent diseases in children and adults and thereby relieve hospitals and medical practices, said Health Minister Martina Rüscher at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
Early vaccination against HPV offers protection against cancer
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the cause of precancerous lesions and cancers of the throat and genitals in both men and women, and they also cause genital warts. The early vaccination offers reliable protection and is recommended for both boys and girls from the age of nine, says state health director Wolfgang Grabher. Free vaccinations between the ages of nine and 21 are possible on the vaccination route.
HPV infection often goes unnoticed
The HP viruses are widespread, which is why 80 percent of all sexually active women and men become infected. The infection often goes unnoticed, as Grabher explains, the body’s defense system normally fights the virus successfully. But in 10 percent of infected men and women, the infection persists and, years later, various types of cancer can develop.
Measles can also be fatal
Even the measles are by no means harmless, adults can also contract this “childhood disease”. One in four patients has to be treated in hospital, one in five has a severe course of the disease with pneumonia or otitis media, one in 1,000 patients dies of measles, Grabher describes the consequences.
Vaccination week against HPV and measles
A vaccination week against two pathogens will soon start in Vorarlberg. From Saturday you can be vaccinated against human pappiloma virus (HPV) and measles virus free of charge.
Measles vaccination gap must be closed again
Measles vaccination coverage has declined during the coronavirus years. In view of the recent increase in the number of infections in other federal states, the vaccination gap that has arisen should now be closed again. Therefore, all people who have not been vaccinated against measles twice in their childhood or who have not gone through the disease safely are advised to take the triple combination vaccination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), says Rüscher. Even those who are (still) protected against some or all of these diseases can still be vaccinated again – an “overvaccination” is not possible, emphasizes Grabher.
Vaccination week takes place in Covid centers
The infrastructure set up in Dornbirn (Hall 14, Messeplatz / Messestraße) and Nüziders (Covid test station, Waldburgstraße 43) as part of the coronavirus pandemic will be used for the HPV and measles vaccination week. Bring your vaccination card, e-card and registration form with you for the vaccination.
Vaccination times at both locations:
- Saturday, March 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m
- Monday, March 20 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:99 p.m
- Tuesday, March 21 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
- Wednesday, March 22, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
- Thursday, March 23 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m
- Friday, March 24 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m
- Saturday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m
In addition to this central offer, vaccinations against HPV and measles are also offered free of charge by the resident doctors.