Almost ten thousand young people were vaccinated against the human papilloma virus (HPV) on Saturday, HPV Awareness Day, the RIVM reported on Monday. Young people between the ages of 19 and 27 can visit a GGD location without an appointment for a free vaccination against HPV.
This virus can cause six types of cancer including cervical cancer, penile cancer and throat cancer. In the National Immunization Program children receive an invitation for vaccination in the year they reach ten years of age.
While girls have been vaccinated for some time, only boys have been vaccinated since last year. In addition, the vaccination rate was 50 percent in the first years when children were invited.
Through a catch-up campaign, the RIVM wants to give young people the chance to get vaccinated against the virus this year. In general, a two-dose vaccination costs between 350 and 400 euros outside the national vaccination program.
More than 176,000 young adults have already received an HPV shot or made a vaccine appointment this year. Last week the counter was still at 160,000. According to the RIVM, this increase is due to those who cannot go to the GGD on Saturday planning an injection.
There should be at least five months between the first and second vaccination. Vaccination is free only if it runs out this year.
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