It will be free in Austria to receive the human papilloma vaccine

VIENNA (EFE).— All Austrians under 30 years of age will be able to get vaccinated for free against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cervical cancers, according to health authorities.

The Minister of Health, the environmentalist Johannes Rauch, indicated that the extension of the vaccine – initially free only for children – up to the age of 21 allowed the number of inoculated people to double.

Despite this, Rauch pointed out, up to 500 women contract cervical cancer each year in the country, so it was decided to extend the free vaccine until the age of 30, a measure that is expected to be applied from the summer until the end. of 2025.

The minister stated that “prevention is better than cure” and gave as examples the cases of Scotland, where no vaccinated woman has contracted the disease, and Australia, where it is hoped to eliminate this type of cancer in the coming years.

This measure, announced yesterday on the International Day against HPV, was agreed upon after a meeting between the ministry and the governments of the nine regions that make up the country.

Vaccination against HPV also reduces the risk of contracting cancer of the throat, larynx, vagina, anus and penis.

This reform of the vaccination program is accompanied by an extra budget of 90 million euros to finance the 500 euros that each dose costs, reports the APA agency.

Take a look

Virus family

Human papillomavirus is a family of viruses that affects all people, regardless of their gender. It is transmitted through sexual contact and is a very common virus in the population and highly transmissible.

Detection

For its early detection and treatment, periodic control through a gynecological examination and Pap smear is recommended.