The HPV vaccine protects against six different types of cancer. The best-known form of this is cervical cancer. Boys and girls receive an invitation for the vaccination in the year they turn 10 years old. Children are invited at this age because HPV is a highly contagious STD. The vaccine works best if someone has not yet been infected with HPV. Eight out of ten people become infected with the virus one or more times.
In most cases, the body clears this virus itself, but sometimes it does not. Then the virus can damage cells, after which cancer can develop after 10 to 15 years. Every year, about 1,110 women and 400 men get cancer from the virus. Anyone born between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2003 will have the opportunity to get vaccinated against HPV free of charge next year. In January 2023, this group will receive an invitation for two HPV vaccinations. There must be at least 5 months between the two vaccinations.
People born before 1996 can also get this vaccination next year, but they have to pay for it.