World HPV Day - March 4

HPV is a group of over 200 viruses that are spread by skin-to-skin contact. Most of the time HPV doesn’t cause any problems but some types of HPV increase the risk of cancer in the mouth and throat, cervix, vagina, vulva, anus and penis. We can prevent HPV infection and reduce the risk of HPV-related cancer through increased awareness and vaccination, as well as regular screening.

As almost all of us will have HPV at some time and because most of us will not have any symptoms it can be very hard to avoid infection. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against HPV and HPV cancers, preventing almost 90% of cervical and other cancer cases.

Austria provides the HPV vaccine free of charge to all persons between ages 9-30, a campaign ending on 31 December, 2025. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity until then, by booking an apppointment at Impfservice Wien or your local vaccination station. Also find out more about programs and opportunities for early prevention here.