Germany's Cancer Prevention Association advocates for increased HPV vaccination efforts, as it believes a catch-up campaign is essential. - Germany Needs to Boost HPV Vaccination Rates, According to AOK-Bundesverband Association
*Article: AOK Federal Association Calls for Catch-Up HPV Vaccinations in Germany
The Chairwoman of the AOK Federal Association, Carola Reimann, has voiced concern over the progress of HPV vaccinations in Germany, stating that the fight against the fourth most common cancer worldwide necessitates significant medical advancements, particularly vaccinations.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccination process has seen a decline, with Reimann warning that a persisting COVID wave could further reduce the vaccination rate in the long term.
For boys, whose vaccination rate is lower than that of girls, more attention is required. Vaccinated boys contribute to herd immunity, guarding themselves and their future partners from certain types of cancer.
A notable aspect is the importance of completing started vaccination series. The J1 youth examination, typically conducted between ages 12-14, offers a prime opportunity for vaccination, with additional chances available following the initial examination. Vaccinations not received by the age of 15 can still be caught up on until the age of 18, at the expense of statutory health insurers.
The significance of HPV vaccination lies in its role as a key preventative measure against various cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. The STIKO, or Ständige Impfkommission am Robert Koch-Institut, has recommended HPV vaccination for both boys and girls since 2018 to protect against these cancers and other conditions like genital warts.
While addressing the decline in vaccination rates during the pandemic, public health efforts should focus on enhancing catch-up campaigns. Completing the series is crucial for achieving full protection against HPV-related diseases. Therefore, advocating for catch-up vaccinations is vital to protect public health by minimizing the risk of HPV-related conditions.
The AOK Federal Association emphasizes gender equity in vaccination, as HPV-related diseases can affect both genders. Vaccination is essential for preventing these conditions in men as well.
Local: Berlin, Germany.
Source: AOK Federal Association.
Relevant Data: HPV vaccination is crucial for preventing various cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. STIKO has recommended HPV vaccination for both boys and girls since 2018. The decline in vaccination rates during the pandemic is due in part to factors such as healthcare system overload, fear of infection, and lockdown restrictions. Public health messaging and awareness campaigns may have been overshadowed by the focus on COVID-19, contributing to the decline in HPV vaccination rates. To mitigate these effects, catch-up campaigns are needed to ensure that individuals who missed vaccinations during the pandemic receive them. This is essential for achieving full protection against HPV-related diseases and for protecting public health by reducing the risk of HPV-related conditions.
In the context of promoting catch-up HPV vaccinations in Germany, the importance of science and health-and-wellness are paramount for ensuring the protection of workers from the risks arising from exposure to HPV, which is a significant cause of various cancers such as cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal. To foster herd immunity and reduce the risk of HPV-related conditions, it is crucial to prioritize catch-up campaigns for individuals who missed vaccinations during the pandemic, especially for boys whose vaccination rates have historically been lower than that of girls.
