Hungary HPV vaccination rates show higher uptake among girls than boys

In Hungary, approximately 80.2% of eligible girls and 71.9% of eligible boys utilized the free HPV vaccination program for the 2025/2026 school year, according to data from the National Public Health and Pharmaceutical Center (NNGYK).

Since 2014, seventh-grade girls have been eligible for free HPV vaccinations in the school program, with boys being added in 2020. The vaccination is not mandatory, requiring parents to submit a declaration by the September 15 deadline to access the free service. Those seeking vaccination outside of the designated campaign period must typically obtain the vaccine via prescription at a pharmacy at their own expense.

The HPV virus can cause changes in skin and mucous membranes, potentially leading to benign warts or precancerous conditions in the cervix, as well as oral and throat cancers. The virus is highly common, with an estimated 80% of the global population being infected at least once in their lifetime.