Vaccination has been part of a study from Karolinska Institute that investigates whether it is possible to eradicate cervical cancer caused by HPV through herd immunity. The regions have therefore had the goal of vaccinating 70 percent of all women aged 26-31.
According to statistics from Regional Cancer Centers in collaboration only six of Sweden's regions had achieved the goal by June 22, eight days before the campaign ends. In twelve regions, between 60 and 69 percent have been vaccinated and in three, 50-59 percent have been vaccinated. Overall, 63 percent of the target group have been vaccinated in the whole country.
Although the campaign is ending, it is still possible to get vaccinated against HPV and several regions are already offering or will offer free vaccines from July.
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 included in the vaccination program since 2010 and covers all girls born in 1999 and later.
Vaccination of boys has been included since August 2020, and the program covers boys born in 2009 and later.
Children and young people covered by the program are entitled to free vaccination against HPV up to 18 years of age.
In addition, the Public Health Agency recommends vaccination against HPV to all individuals up to 26 years of age who have not been vaccinated before. This applies to both men and women, as all sexually active individuals are at risk of being infected with HPV and developing HPV-related cancer.
Source: Public Health Agency
