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HPV Vaccination (Human Papillomavirus)
The HPV vaccine is one of the most important preventive vaccinations in Germany. It is recommended for both girls and boys to protect them against serious diseases later in life, including certain cancers and genital skin diseases.
What is HPV?
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a virus transmitted mainly through sexual contact or close skin-to-skin contact.
There are more than 100 HPV types, some of which can cause:
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Cervical cancer (cervical carcinoma)
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Cancers of the mouth and throat, anus, and genital area
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Genital warts (condylomas / genital warts)
The dangerous part:
HPV infection often shows no symptoms, but can lead to disease years later.
Why is HPV vaccination recommended for boys as well?
Because boys can:
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transmit the virus to their partners
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develop HPV-related cancers themselves (e.g. throat or anal cancer)
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suffer from genital warts
So: vaccination protects them personally and also helps reduce the spread of HPV in the population.
When is the vaccination given?
| Group | Recommended age | Number of doses |
|---|---|---|
| Girls & boys | 9 to 14 years | 2 doses at least 5 months apart |
| If vaccination starts later | 15–17 years | 3 doses within about 6 months |
The vaccine is most effective if it is given before the first sexual contact.
Which vaccine and how safe is it?
Most commonly used:
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Gardasil 9 – protects against 9 HPV types
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Approved in Germany and very well studied
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Contains no live virus and cannot cause HPV infection
Typical side effects are mild (redness at injection site, tiredness, mild headache).
Is it covered by health insurance?
Yes.
All statutory health insurance funds (GKV) in Germany fully cover HPV vaccination for children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years.
How do I get it?
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Make an appointment with your paediatrician or family doctor
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Vaccinations are documented in the vaccination booklet (Impfpass)
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Do not delay too long, so the series can be completed on time without needing an extra (third) dose unnecessarily
Quick summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why vaccinate? | To prevent cancer and genital warts |
| For whom? | Girls and boys |
| When? | Ideally between 9–14 years (2 doses) |
| Is it safe? | Yes, widely used and well studied worldwide |
| Covered by insurance? | Yes, fully covered up to age 17 |
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors may still occur or some details may be incomplete or not fully confirmed. Please treat the information in this article as an initial guide only and always consult the relevant authorities and medical professionals for binding and up-to-date advice.
