Starting in 2026, Ukraine will offer free vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) for girls aged 12-13.
This initiative is part of the National Immunization Schedule, as reported by the Ministry of Health.
The state enterprise "Medical Procurements of Ukraine" has signed a contract to purchase the nine-valent vaccine "Gardasil" from Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD). The first vaccine shipments are expected in Ukraine by the end of 2025, after which it will be distributed across various regions.
The nine-valent vaccine protects against the nine most common types of HPV, seven of which are associated with a high oncogenic risk.
Free vaccinations for girls are conducted in 75 countries. Overall, HPV vaccination is included in national immunization programs in 149 countries worldwide.
It is recommended to receive the vaccine before the onset of sexual activity for maximum effectiveness.
"Vaccination is not only a health issue but also a matter of equity. We aim for every child in Ukraine to have equal access to the prevention of serious diseases.
The procurement of HPV vaccines is another example of how smart public procurement policies can save lives," emphasized Oleg Klyots, Director General of Medical Procurements of Ukraine.
While this initiative specifically targets girls, adolescent boys should also consider getting vaccinated against HPV. We have explained why it is important for men to get vaccinated against HPV and what diseases this virus can cause in our recent article.
