Region – Around this time, more than 1.3 million young adults will receive an invitation from the RIVM for vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV). It concerns about 900,000 men and 400,000 women aged 19 to 27. About half of the women in this age group have already been vaccinated at a younger age. HPV can cause cancer in the mouth and throat, penis, anus, vagina, labia, and cervix. The vaccine protects against these six types of cancer.
HPV is a highly contagious and common virus, with which eight out of ten people become infected at some point. Usually the body clears the virus itself, sometimes it stays longer in the cells. Then it is possible that (a precursor of) cancer develops. There are more than 100 different types of HPV, including variants with a high risk of cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 are the most dangerous, together they cause about 70% of all cases of cervical cancer and the majority of other HPV cancers. The vaccine protects against these two types. Every year in the Netherlands, nearly 400 men get cancer due to HPV, about 80% of which can be prevented with the HPV vaccination. The vaccination of boys also contributes to the protection of the entire population through herd immunity.
Make an appointment via the appointment portal
Young adults born between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2003 who want to protect themselves against HPV can now schedule an appointment with a GGD via www.hpvafspraak.nl. For good and long-term protection, two vaccinations are required, half a year apart. The HPV vaccination is part of the National Immunization Program coordinated by RIVM. The vaccination is free.
Locations
In Kennemerland, young adults can go to one of our vaccination locations in Haarlem, Velsen-Noord or Hoofddorp. No DigiD? Then it is also possible to make an appointment by telephone via telephone number 0800 1608. A reminder to make an appointment will follow for the second vaccination. (Photo: Pixabay)
