ANP Productions | Source: ANP
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Bilthoven
Of young adults who are eligible for free vaccination against HPV, only 22 percent have received their first injection up to and including mid-October. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) warns that time is running out if people up to the age of 27 want to get the shots for free. They have until June 1, 2024 to complete the full vaccination series.
The vaccination series against the human papillomavirus (HPV) consists of two injections. This must be at least five months apart. The virus can cause cancer. The vaccine reduces the risk of six types of cancer: in the mouth and throat and on the penis, anus, vagina, labia and cervix. The HPV vaccination has been part of the National Vaccination Program since 2008, initially it was only for girls.
On the advice of the Health Council, a catch-up campaign was started this year for everyone up to and including the age of 26 who had not yet had a shot. This concerns a total of 1.3 million people born from 1996 to 2003. The majority of these were men, because many women had already had the injections as teenagers. The turnout percentage is therefore also higher among men, the RIVM now sees. The institute does note that young men delay their second injection more often than women.
Turnout percentage different
The RIVM recommends not waiting too long with the second injection. In 2024, the vaccination will be offered in fewer places in the country and you will have to contact the GGD in your region to see where you can go. Now it’s even more accessible. If you have to pay yourself after June, it will cost 175 euros per injection.
The turnout percentage varies greatly per region, according to the RIVM. For example, more young adults are getting the shots in student cities such as Utrecht, Delft and Leiden than in other places in the country.
