The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major public health concern, being associated with various types of cancer, including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, and others. The good news is that these risks can be drastically reduced through vaccination. In Romania, the HPV vaccine is not only accessible but also free for children and adolescents aged 11 to 19.
Doctors, including pediatricians, family doctors, and gynecologists, play a crucial role in educating parents and encouraging HPV vaccination. Studies conducted as part of the #ReThinkHPVaccination project, along with international reports, consistently highlight the importance of these healthcare professionals in reducing vaccine hesitancy. The recommendations from doctors and open dialogue with parents are essential to increasing confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine.
Parents of children—both girls and boys—aged 11 to 19 are encouraged to openly discuss the HPV vaccine with their pediatrician or family doctor. This vaccine is offered free of charge for this age group and has been proven to be most effective when administered before exposure to the virus. The evidence is clear: the HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and a vital tool in preventing serious health conditions later in life.
For women aged 19 to 45, the HPV vaccine is also available, with a 50% reimbursement. It is important for women to discuss the benefits of vaccination with their gynecologist or family doctor, as it plays a significant role in preventing HPV-associated cancers.
The ongoing information campaign, implemented by the Renasterea Foundation for Women's Health, in partnership with the Center for Innovation in Medicine (INOMED) and the Eurocomunicare Association, aims to inform the public about the importance of HPV vaccination. This initiative is co-funded by the European Union through the EU4Health Program and is part of a broader effort to rethink and reduce inequalities in HPV vaccination through personalized communication and social innovation.
The impact of HPV vaccination coverage has already been demonstrated in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Denmark, where vaccination campaigns have reduced the incidence of cervical cancer by over 90%. All this information can be found in the Information section on the rethink-hpv.eu platform.
