Sweden has set a goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027. To achieve this goal, women born between 1994 and 1999 have been offered free HPV vaccination since 2021 as part of a research project with state support. It will be possible for this age group to get vaccinated later, but then it will cost 6,000 kronor for the shot.
60 percent vaccinated
The HPV vaccine protects against infection by the sexually transmitted virus that lies behind a large proportion of all cases of cervical cancer. So far, around 60 percent have been vaccinated, reports among others SVT Uppsala, but to achieve herd immunity, 70 percent need to have taken the shot.
This campaign is aimed at women. But men can also be affected by the virus and develop cancer.
We are keen to have boys and men up to 26 years old vaccinated against HPV, says Tina Crafoord, chief physician and head of the unit for vaccination programs at the Public Health Agency.
Boys are also included
The reason is that HPV infection can cause not only cervical cancer but also other forms such as penile cancer, anal cancer, and cancer in the mouth and throat. Therefore, boys are included in the childhood vaccination program since 2010 and cover boys born in 2009 or later. Girls born in 1999 or later have been offered vaccination since 2010. And last autumn, the recommendation was made that targets all up to 27 years old.
Men who are infected with the virus can both infect a partner and be affected themselves, says Tina Crafoord.
Petra Hedbom/TT
HPV vaccine
TT
HPV vaccine protects against cancer caused by the virus. All children are offered HPV vaccine today in grade 5 within the general vaccination program. Vaccination of girls has been part of the vaccination program since 2010 and covers all girls born in 1999 and later. Vaccination of boys has been part of the program since August 2020, and the program covers boys born in 2009 and later. Children and young people covered by the program have the right to free vaccination against HPV up to 18 years old. Furthermore, the Public Health Agency recommends vaccination against HPV to all individuals up to 26 years old who have not been vaccinated before. This applies to both men and women, as all sexually active individuals run the risk of being infected by HPV and developing HPV-caused cancer. Source: Public Health Agency
