Hamburg starts major vaccination campaign: Protect your child from cancer!

International HPV Awareness Day is celebrated on March 4th, an occasion to raise awareness of the risk of cancer caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV) and to promote prevention measures. Since 2018, this day has been celebrated annually to raise awareness about the HPV vaccination, which can prevent many HPV-related cancers. In Germany, the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) has recommended HPV vaccination for girls since 2007 and also for boys and girls aged 9 to 14 since 2018. Nevertheless, the vaccination rate in Germany is currently below the level necessary for comprehensive protection.

Various actions are planned for March 4th in Hamburg. On the one hand, an HPV symposium will take place at the University Hospital Eppendorf (UKE) from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The program includes information stands and lectures on human papilloma viruses and HPV vaccination. Those interested have the opportunity to exchange ideas with experts from medicine, teaching and self-help networks.

HPV vaccination campaign and vaccination offers

At the same time, the Hamburg social authority's urban HPV campaign was launched. This includes the presentation of campaign content as well as information about cooperation partners and vaccination campaigns. A low-threshold vaccination offer is available in all seven health authorities in Hamburg. There are special vaccination consultations for children aged 9 to 14, and the vaccination is free for everyone with statutory health insurance.

On March 4, 2025, a free vaccination offer without an appointment will be offered for children and young people aged 9 to 18 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at various locations in Hamburg. The vaccination centers are located in the Hamburg-Mitte Health Department, the Altona Health Department and the Hamburg North Health Department, to name just a few examples.

A recent HPV vaccination survey shows that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. In Germany, around 4,600 women develop this disease every year, and 1,600 of them die from it. A Swedish study shows that the risk of cervical cancer in vaccinated women is 88 percent lower than in unvaccinated women.

The STIKO recommends a vaccination period for children and young people from 9 to 14 years, if necessary up to 17 years, ideally before the first intimate contacts. This applies to both girls and boys, as the vaccination protects both sexes against cancer-causing viruses. A campaign initiated by the North Rhine Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and the AOK Rheinland/Hamburg aims to make the HPV vaccination better known. In a survey, 72 percent of parents said that they were informed about vaccinations against cancer, an increase compared to before.

Dr. med. Frank Bergmann from KV Nordrhein emphasizes the importance of education to raise awareness of the risks of human papilloma viruses, while Günter Wältermann from AOK Rheinland/Hamburg emphasizes the need for education about the benefits and risks of HPV vaccination.