Free HPV vaccine now available for girls aged 10 to 18

The Ministry of Health announces an expansion of the scope for free immunization against human papillomavirus (HPV). Starting in 2026, girls aged 15 to 18 who were not vaccinated during previous program periods will also be eligible for the free vaccine. This was reported by the department.

As in the previous year, the primary target groups for free immunization under the National Program for Primary Prevention of Cancers Caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 2025-2030 are girls aged 10 to 15 and boys aged 10 to 14. HPV immunization is recommended and is administered at the request of a parent/guardian by general practitioners, pediatricians, and obstetrician-gynecologists participating in the program.

With this year’s expansion of scope, girls aged 10 to 18 and boys aged 10 to 14 are now eligible for free immunization. For children under the age of 15, two doses of the HPV vaccine are administered (with a 6-12 month interval between them). For girls aged 15 and older, three doses of the vaccine are administered (with a 1-6 month interval between the first and second dose and a 3-6 month interval between the second and third dose). Immunization is considered complete after the required number of doses for the respective age has been administered.

We remind you that HPV is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection and is the primary cause of cervical cancer, as well as a potential cause of other oncological diseases in both women and men. HPV immunization is effective and safe.

More information is available here.