Immunization shields - A gathering discussing immunization against cancer-linked HP viruses.
At the 8th National Vaccination Conference in Rostock, vaccination concepts and national action plans to boost immunization protection are the highlights of the two-day event attended by around 230 experts from across Germany. It's a platform to evaluate if the Federal Republic has achieved European vaccination targets.
German pediatrician, Gunther Gosch, expressed his disappointment that there's no national immunization program in the country, leaving the responsibility to individual states. This has resulted in significant regional variation in vaccination rates, with Germany often trailing globally.
Gosch used measles protection and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as examples. Although the Measles Protection Law, which mandates vaccinations for pre-schoolers and caregivers, has raised vaccine uptakes, it's still not sufficient. The country reported 259 measles cases within the first five months of the year, against just 79 in the previous year, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute.
HPV vaccination rates are also dismal, with significant decreases during the COVID-19 pandemic, as there were fewer visits to pediatricians for these vaccinations. To improve the situation, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Sachsen-Anhalt made HPV vaccinations a priority. "We're working towards improving HPV vaccination rates nationwide," said Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Health Secretary Sylvia Grimm.
The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to reach a 90% HPV vaccination rate among 15-year-old girls and a significant increase in boys across the EU by 2030. According to Robert Koch Institute data, the German rate is currently only slightly above 50%, while Mecklenburg-Vorpommern stands at over 70%. The state's Health Department launched a campaign to create awareness about HPV vaccinations.
Barmer Health Insurance called for greater efforts, citing the Permanent Vaccination Commission's recommendation that the first HPV vaccination ideally should be given before a person's first sexual contact. HPV infections can be prevented with two vaccinations.
The German Cancer Research Center suggested implementing a voluntary, school-based HPV vaccination program, similar to experiences from other countries. However, the need for societal acceptance is crucial, it added. A survey from 2017 involving 2017 individuals found over two-thirds supported voluntary HPV vaccination offers in schools.
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Attribution:By Simon Imre
Quote:"We're working towards improving HPV vaccination rates nationwide" - Sylvia Grimm
