Hungary continues free HPV vaccination program for students

The free HPV vaccination program for seventh-grade students in Hungary will continue this school year. National Chief Medical Officer Beatrix Oroszi announced that the vaccine is available to both boys and girls through school settings.

Parents will receive information leaflets during the first days of the school year and must return a signed consent form to the school by September 15. The vaccination protocol involves two doses administered by a school doctor six months apart to ensure full immunity.

Oroszi emphasized that the vaccine is most effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity. She noted that while HPV infection is common, the vaccine provides rare protection against malignant tumors caused by the virus.

Currently, Hungary's vaccination rates for this age group are higher than the European Union average: 75% for girls (compared to a 69% EU average) and 61% for boys (compared to a 51% EU average). Health officials aim to increase these coverage rates further.