Free HPV Vaccination: New Opportunities for Youth
Starting in 2026, Ukraine will offer free HPV vaccination for girls aged 12-13.
This initiative is part of the national vaccination schedule, as reported by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
The state enterprise "Medical Procurements of Ukraine" has already signed a contract for the procurement of the nine-valent vaccine "Gardasil" from the American company Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD). Initial shipments of the vaccine are expected in Ukraine by the end of 2025, after which it will be distributed across various regions.
This nine-valent vaccine protects against the nine most common types of HPV, seven of which have a high oncogenic risk.
Free single-dose HPV vaccination for girls is conducted in 75 countries. Overall, HPV vaccination is included in national immunization programs in 149 countries worldwide.
The vaccination is recommended to take place before the onset of sexual activity, before infection occurs, to achieve the highest effectiveness.
"Vaccination is not just a health issue, but also a matter of equity. We strive to ensure that every child in Ukraine has equal access to the prevention of serious diseases.
The procurement of the HPV vaccine is yet another example of how smart public procurement policies can save lives," emphasized Oleg Klyots, the Director General of Medical Procurements of Ukraine.
This initiative specifically targets girls, but teenage boys should also consider getting vaccinated against HPV. We have explained why men should get vaccinated and what diseases this virus can cause in our article.
