Fewer HPV vaccinations for adolescents against cancer
In view of the significant drop in participation rates, the health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit is calling for vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). In 2022, 22 percent fewer children and adolescents in Hesse were vaccinated against HPV for the first time than in the previous year, according to an analysis by DAK of its policyholders. The decline was particularly sharp among 15 to 17-year-old boys, with a drop of 35 percent. Overall, there was a drop of 25 percent for boys and 19 percent for girls.
Although the decline in Hesse is less pronounced than the national average, the development is still a bad sign for children's health care, explained the DAK. A hoped-for catch-up effect after the corona pandemic has failed to materialize. A trend reversal must be achieved.
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are sexually transmitted and can cause cervical cancer and cancer of the mouth and throat, among other things. The Standing Vaccination Commission recommends vaccination for girls and boys aged 9 to 14. If they have not been vaccinated by then, they should be vaccinated by the age of 17. According to the Robert Koch Institute, over 6000 women and around 1600 men develop HPV-related cancer every year in Germany.
The decrease in HPV vaccinations is concerning for the battle against HPV-related diseases, as science has proven that HPV can lead to cervical cancer and other health issues. Despite the Standing Vaccination Commission's recommendation for vaccination between ages 9-14, fewer adolescents are being vaccinated against HPV, which may exacerbate the incidence of HPV-related diseases in the future.
Source: www.dpa.com
