GGD Opens HPV Vaccination Sites for Young Adults

Young adults can get vaccinated against HPV free of charge in 2023. After this year, this group will have to cover the costs themselves. Anyone born between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2003, who has not yet been vaccinated against HPV or has not completed the vaccination series will receive an invitation from the GGD. The HPV vaccination for 10- to 18-year-olds is part of the National Immunization Program and is administered by Youth Health Services.

Campaign

Councilman René Zoetemelk is pleased with the campaign: “Research shows that young people know little or nothing about the virus. One in five considers the risk of HPV infection to be likely, while four in five actually become infected. As a young person from Voorschoten, you’ll have to bike to Leiden or another vaccination site in our region, but I want to emphasize how important it is that you do so.”

Protection against 6 types of cancer with just 1 vaccine

HPV is highly contagious; eight out of ten people become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. In most cases, the body clears the virus on its own within two years. If it does not, cancer may develop later in life. Cervical cancer is the most well-known cancer caused by HPV, but the virus can also cause cancer of the mouth and throat, penis, anus, vagina, and labia. Vaccination protects against these six types of cancer.

By appointment

Young adults who want to get vaccinated can make an appointment themselves at www.hpvafspraak.nl, , or by calling 0800-1608. The vaccination consists of two doses administered six months apart. Because of this six-month interval, it’s important to get the first dose well before summer. Only then can the two required doses be administered in 2023. For more information, visit www.ggdhm.nl/hpv-jongvolwassenen or.