International HPV Awareness Day 2026: Vaccination Protects Against Cancer – Paul-Ehrlich-Institut Monitors the Quality, Efficacy, and Safety As Well As the Availability of HPV[...]

International HPV Awareness Day 2026: Vaccination Protects Against Cancer - Paul-Ehrlich-Institut Monitors the Quality, Efficacy, and Safety As Well As the Availability of HPV Vaccines

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HPV Vaccination: Protection Against Cancer-Causing Virus Types

Two HPV vaccines against high-risk viruses HPV 16 and 18 are currently available in Germany. These vaccines provide protection against the HPV types that most often lead to cancer. Both vaccines are dead vaccines that contain virus components incapable of replication.

As the higher federal authority responsible for vaccines in Germany, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut scientifically evaluates vaccines and contributes its scientific expertise to national and European authorisation procedures. The formal marketing authorisation for centralised procedures is granted by the European Commission. The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut is also responsible for the continuous monitoring of vaccine safety. The ongoing evaluation of national and European safety data confirms the favourable benefit-risk profile of HPV vaccines.

Vaccination Recommendation from the Standing Committee on Vaccination

The HPV vaccines authorised in Germany provide effective protection against the major cancer-causing HPV types - especially if they are administered before a possible infection, i.e. preferably before the first sexual contact. Vaccination recommendations are made by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (Ständige Impfkommission, STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

The STIKO recommends HPV vaccination for girls and boys. Vaccinations should ideally be administered between the ages of 9 and 14. Two vaccinations at an interval of 5 to 13 months are required for complete vaccination protection. HPV vaccines can be administered at the same time as other vaccines such as Tdap or Tdap-IPV.

Supporting the National HPV Vaccination Concept and the 2028 Vaccination Year

Although vaccination against HPV has been recommended by the STIKO and contributes to protection against various cancers, vaccination rates could be significantly better. According to an RKI evaluation, in 2024 the full vaccination rate (two vaccinations) was 55% for 15-year-old girls and 36% for boys. In order to sustainably improve HPV vaccination protection in Germany, the National Steering Committee on Vaccination (Nationale Lenkungsgruppe Impfen, NaLI) has created a concept to promote education and increase vaccination rates.

As a permanent guest on the NaLI, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut lends its scientific and regulatory expertise to the further development of evidence-based strategies. The goal is to increase knowledge about HPV vaccination, reduce vaccination barriers, and increase vaccination rates in girls and boys.

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