The HPV vaccine protects against six different types of cancer. The best known form of this is cervical cancer. Boys and girls receive an invitation to be vaccinated the year they turn 10. Children are advised at this age because HPV is a highly contagious STD. The vaccine works best if someone has not yet been infected with HPV. Eight out of ten people are infected with the virus one or more times.
In most cases, the body gets rid of this virus itself, but sometimes not. Then the virus can damage cells, after which cancer can develop after 10-15 years. Every year, approximately 1,110 women and 400 men fall ill with cancer from the virus. Those born between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2003 will have the opportunity to get free HPV vaccination next year. In January 2023, this group will receive an invitation for two HPV vaccinations. At least 5 months must elapse between the two vaccinations.
People born before 1996 can also get this vaccination next year, but they have to pay for it.
