HPV vaccination: Andreas Bergthaler gives a talk on Kurier TV

Bringing crucial public health information to a wider audience, HPVienna Co-Principal Investigator, Professor Andreas Bergthaler, recently appeared on Kurier TV’s program “Spontan gefragt”, alongside hosts Vera Russwurm and Markus Hengstschläger. Andreas, who also directs the Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology at the Medical University of Vienna and is leading the genomic epidemiology part of the transdisciplinary HPVienna project, detailed the compelling case for widespread Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

He emphasized the necessity of vaccinating not just girls but equally importantly, boys, ideally during early adolescence, as well as catch-up vaccinations for young adults. Andreas highlighted the vaccine’s remarkable success in preventing a range of serious HPV-related cancers – including cervical cancers – which can affect anyone, regardless of their sex.

Furthermore, the conversation delved into the current scientific understanding of HPV persistence and transmission, and outlined the vital questions that continue to drive research in this field. This ongoing scientific inquiry, central to the work undertaken by the HPVienna project, aims to further optimize prevention strategies and address emerging challenges related to HPV. Andreas’s clear communication in this public forum directly supports HPVienna’s mission to enhance understanding, promote evidence-based prevention, and ultimately reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases in Austria, especially ensuring these benefits reach those most marginalized due to facing barriers to healthcare access.

Access the video here, and the accompanying profil news magazine article here.

Image: Martin Stachl / Kurier