This free vaccination can protect your child from cancer. How to use it?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for the vast majority of cases of cervical cancer. HPV infection is the main factor of the disease. The virus is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, but infection may also occur through direct contact with skin lesions or mucous membranes. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women around the world, which is why vaccination against HPV is so important. long-term protection against infection with this virusand, consequently, the diseases it causes.

Free HPV vaccinations for children

According to the Ministry of Health, 690 thousand worldwide cancer incidence is caused by infection with the human papilloma virus. However, this can be prevented. In Poland, there is a program of free vaccinations for children against HPV, which protects against diseases caused by this virus. Such vaccination is most effective if it takes place before potential exposure to HPV infection (which most often occurs during sexual contact, i.e. before sexual intercourse).

From free vaccinations both girls and boys can benefit, who are over 11 years of age. Free vaccinations are valid until the age of 14. If a child received the first dose of the vaccine before the age of 14, he or she can receive the second dose after his or her 14th birthday. Two vaccines are available free of charge in our country: the 2-valent Cervarix vaccine and the 9-valent Gardasil 9 vaccine. The vaccine is administered in two doses, and the interval between them should be from 6 to 12 months. The child to receive the vaccine should be healthy – without symptoms of acute infection and high fever.

How to register a child for vaccination against HPV?

You can register your child for the HPV vaccination in several ways:

• in a primary health care clinic,

• via the Patient's Online Account,

• via a special hotline +48 800 100 101 (from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.).

HPV vaccination protects against cancer

Although HPV vaccination is mainly associated with girls (because cervical cancer is considered the main risk), it should be remembered that it is recommended regardless of gender. The HPV virus can cause cancer in both sexes. In addition, vaccination of boys against HPV also prevents transmission of the infection through sexual contact to women.

It is believed that almost 100 percent of cervical cancer is related to HPV infection. Vaccination against HPV therefore primarily prevents cervical cancer, but also prevents other cancers that are associated with HPV infection, such as:

• anal cancer,

• vulvar cancer,

• vaginal cancer,

• penile cancer,

• head and neck cancer (squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth, throat, larynx, paranasal sinuses).