Significantly fewer HPV vaccinations against cancer in adolescents
According to a new analysis, vaccinations against certain cancers are declining sharply among children and adolescents in Rhineland-Palatinate. This is particularly evident among 15- to 17-year-old boys, according to an analysis by health insurer DAK-Gesundheit of its policyholders, which was presented to the German Press Agency in Mainz. First-time vaccinations against human papillomavirus (HPV) fell by 43% in 2022 compared to the previous year. Overall, 26 percent fewer children and adolescents were vaccinated against cancer than in the previous year.
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 advise them to get it by the age of 17. Two or three doses of vaccine are required.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, over 6000 women and around 1600 men develop HPV-related cancer in Germany every year. The vaccination, which is administered in adolescence, can provide extensive protection.
The decline in HPV vaccinations against cancer within adolescents could potentially lead to an increase in HPV-related diseases, such as cervical cancer and oropharyngeal cancer. Despite the recommendation from the Standing Vaccination Commission for vaccination between ages 9 to 14, a significant number of adolescents are not being vaccinated against cancer, demonstrated by the 26% decrease in 2022 compared to the previous year.
Source: www.dpa.com
