Fundamental agreement between the federal government, the states and social security – decision on the public vaccination program in April – health reform is being implemented
Vienna (OTS) – The federal, state and social security systems have fundamentally agreed to extend the free HPV vaccination up to the 30th birthday. Health Minister Johannes Rauch, the state health councilors and the chairmen of the umbrella organization of social insurance providers spoke out in favor of the expansion on the occasion of International HPV Day today, March 4th. Vaccination can prevent up to 180 deaths per year in Austria. A decision on the public vaccination program is expected to be made in April. ***
Since February 1st last year, the HPV vaccination has been available free of charge for children, adolescents and young adults from their 9th to their 21st birthday. The number of vaccinations has almost doubled since then: around 106,000 vaccinations have been documented in the electronic vaccination certificate. In the same period last year, almost 56,000 vaccinations were registered.
The federal government, states and social security are now planning a further expansion: by the end of 2025, young adults up to their 30th birthday should also be able to get the HPV vaccination free of charge. The state health councils of the federal states made the corresponding decision today, Monday. Social security representatives also support the project.
Decisions to expand the public vaccination program by the federal, state and social security systems are expected to be made in April. As part of the health reform, an additional 90 million euros are available annually for the public vaccination program.
HPV vaccination saves lives
Health Minister Johannes Rauch: “The HPV vaccination is the only vaccination against cancer. It saves many lives in Austria every year. We now want to offer everyone up to their 30th birthday the opportunity to get the free HPV vaccination. I am confident that the relevant decisions will be made in April. Because health should not be a question of income.”
City Councilor for Health Peter Hacker: “I am glad that the federal, state and social security agencies agreed this morning that the HPV vaccination will be free until your 30th birthday. This is great news and I am very confident that we can get this implemented quickly. As Vienna City Councilor for Health, I am clearly committed to ensuring that all vaccinations recommended by the National Vaccination Board become a natural part of social security and therefore free of charge.”
For social insurance, the two chairmen of the umbrella organization of social insurance providers support the project: “The HPV vaccination is the only vaccination that protects against certain cancers. Of course, we therefore support the temporary extension to all young people up to their 30th birthday.”
400 to 500 cases of cancer per year
Human papilloma viruses, HPV, are omnipresent: at least 80% of all women and men become infected with HPV in the course of their lives. In Austria, between 400 and 500 women develop cervical cancer every year. Almost half of them die from the disease. Across the EU, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44.
Scientific studies show that human papilloma viruses (HPV) are responsible for 90 percent of cases. Other cancers in the middle of the throat and on the genital organs are also caused by HP viruses. They affect both men and women. Transmission occurs through skin-to-skin contact and cannot be prevented by the use of contraceptives. An infection can initially go unnoticed and only lead to illness many years later.
More information about the vaccination offers in Austria:
Questions & Contact:
Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK)
press spokesman@sozialministerium.at
sozialministerium.at
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