During the 2025–2026 school year, HPV vaccination will be offered free of charge to boys born in 2008–2010.
Since autumn 2023, HPV vaccination at age 12 has been offered regardless of gender, and this campaign overlaps with vaccination of the third cohort of boys vaccinated alongside girls.
Boys born in 2010 will be invited for vaccination through primary care this autumn, vaccination will be offered to tenth graders in most schools once the regular 7th-grade vaccinations are completed. Details regarding the implementation in each school will be communicated to parents/guardians and students by the primary care. The process will be very similar to other school based vaccinations.
Boys born in 2008–2009 will be offered vaccination later in the school year. These individuals have completed compulsory education and are by law independent users of healthcare services.
Information will be shared via the "My Pages" portal on Heilsuvera, but this relies on the individuals‘ use of electronic ID and the Heilsuvera platform themselves.
Health services in upper secondary schools (framhaldsskóli) are organized differently than in primary schools, but school based healthcare services will assist with information sharing about the campaign. In some cases, vaccinations may be offered at the schools themselves, and this will be announced specifically where applicable.
Boys who are not currently in school are encouraged to monitor the website of their registered health clinic or the clinic in their place of residence for announcements on how the vaccinations will be arranged locally.
Each regional health clinic will publish information on when and how HPV vaccinations will be offered at their clinics for these cohorts, including appointment booking procedures, once finalized—expected before the end of the year.
This campaign aims to ensure as many individuals as possible receive the HPV vaccine, and therefore only boys in the 2008–2010 birth cohorts who have not previously received any HPV vaccination will be eligible for the free vaccine under this program.
Questions and Answers about HPV, Vaccination, and the 2025–2026 Campaign
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common virus with many subtypes that cause infections in the skin and/or mucous membranes. Some subtypes cause warts (wart viruses), while others cause few symptoms but can persist and push infected cells to divide. Frequent cell division increases the chances of genetic replication errors, which over time can lead to the development of abnormal cells (cellular changes) and even cancer.
Almost everyone becomes infected with some type of HPV during adolescence or early adulthood, though many clear the infection without ever knowing. Repeated infections can occur due to the large number of HPV subtypes; infection with multiple types either simultaneously or consecutively increases cancer risk.
Vaccination strengthens the body's ability to prevent or clear infections early before they become persistent, thereby preventing the development of HPV-related cancers. The vaccine used in Iceland, Gardasil 9®, protects against both wart-causing HPV and the main cancer-related subtypes.
HPV can infect skin and mucous membranes. Some subtypes (6 and 11) primarily cause wart formation, e.g., on the genitals, but can also be found in cancers such as in the larynx.
Other subtypes are strongly linked to cancer in mucous membranes—especially types 16 and 18:
Genitals: Cervical cancer is by far the most common, but HPV-related cancers can also occur on the external genitals, such as the labia or penis.
Anus: Anal cancers linked to HPV occur at similar rates across genders.
Oral cavity/throat: Head and neck cancers linked to HPV are significantly more common in men than women.
There is no known medication that cures HPV infections. The immune system must kill and clear infected cells. If the infection has led to cellular changes or cancer, surgery and/or cancer chemotherapy are needed to remove or kill infected cells and the viruses within them.
HPV types linked to cancer are screened for in cervical cancer screenings, offered regularly in Iceland starting at age 24. Screening also looks for cellular changes that may indicate long-standing infection. If changes are found, further testing and possibly surgery may be needed to prevent cancer development.
HPV-related cancers outside the cervix are not routinely screened for, as they are rarer and it is harder to determine who is most at risk. As a result, these HPV-related infections often go undiagnosed until a tumor becomes palpable, at which point surgery and/or cancer treatment may be needed.
Warts on the skin are typically visible and/or physically felt. Internal genital warts can cause discomfort, bleeding, or be found during medical examinations.
The first vaccine used in Iceland, Cervarix®, was developed specifically for cervical cancer and targets HPV types 16 and 18. It was initially only offered to girls. It has proven to provide strong protection for over a decade (likely even longer) and also offers partial protection against types 31, 33, and 45, which are relatively common in cervical cancer and precancerous lesions in Iceland. Cervarix® has also been used for boys in countries like Norway.
Gardasil 9®, used in general vaccination programs in Iceland since 2023, is based on the earlier Gardasil® vaccine, which has been widely used globally. Gardasil® targets types 16 and 18, as well as wart types 6 and 11, and has been used for boys in countries such as the USA. It offers slightly less cross-protection than Cervarix® against types 31, 33, and 45, which led to the development of Gardasil 9®, which additionally protects against types 52 and 58, found in cervical cancers in Iceland but are less common.
There are no approved vaccines in Europe targeting other HPV types. All HPV vaccines licensed in Europe have been widely used and shown to be effective and safe.
Vaccination in Iceland began with girls only, around age 12. The first cohorts were vaccinated in 2011 (birth years 1998 and 1999). Initially, vaccination aimed to reduce cervical cancer rates. The impact on screening outcomes among vaccinated groups in Iceland is currently being evaluated.
Internationally, HPV vaccination has significantly reduced persistent infections, precancerous changes, and cervical cancer. Vaccination has also reduced infections among men when used broadly.
Initially, three doses were used, but it was quickly found that two doses offered strong protection. With global experience, it's now clear that herd immunity can be achieved where vaccine use is widespread, especially with gender-neutral vaccination.
Recent studies show that one dose may provide strong protection—especially where vaccine is offered to youth, where vaccination uptake is high and HPV prevalence is falling. In 2022, the World Health Organization recommended single-dose schedules to increase accessibility, especially if targeting many age groups quickly and before age 20.
In Iceland, two doses are still given in public programs, but using a single dose is under consideration to allow broader access for those who missed earlier opportunities.
Gardasil 9® has been used in public vaccinations in Iceland since 2023. It is based on Gardasil®, which has been widely and safely used worldwide. All HPV vaccines licensed in Europe have been extensively tested and shown to be effective and safe.
The vaccine is inactivated and safe for immunocompromised individuals, some of whom may require additional doses—this should be decided with a healthcare provider.
Common side effects: Pain and tenderness at the injection site. Rarely, pain may be severe and require painkillers like ibuprofen.
Headache and fainting are common side effects in teenagers across many vaccines, including HPV. It's recommended to sit or lie down during and after the shot to avoid injury from fainting.
Allergic reactions to HPV vaccines or ingredients are a contraindication to further doses. See more at
Gardasil 9® is approved for use from age 9. It is not recommended for individuals over 45 or under 9 except in special cases, in which case justification should be recorded in the medical file. The duration of protection when starting before age 9 is uncertain.
The vaccine should not be given if the individual:
Is acutely ill.
Has a severe allergy to yeast or other ingredients (see product leaflet).
It should not be given during pregnancy, although no issues have been observed when given inadvertently. It can be given while breastfeeding.
No vaccines are mandatory in Iceland. Public vaccination programs for children and adolescents are a right, funded by the state because they improve public health and reduce healthcare costs.
Gardasil 9® is provided free of charge to 12-year-old children of all genders. These vaccinations typically take place in 7th grade at school, but they can also be requested at health clinics.
The 2025–2026 campaign offers free vaccination for boys who missed it when only girls were offered it. These vaccinations are held in:
Primary schools (born in 2010),
Secondary schools (born in 2008–2009),
and at health clinics for those not in school or if more convenient.
Vaccinations may become available in more locations—updates will be announced as need arises.
Girls aged 12–15 who missed their school vaccinations can request the vaccine at a health clinic with parental involvement.
Girls aged 16–17 can also request vaccination at a clinic, with or without parental consent.
Individuals aged 18 and over can purchase Gardasil 9® via prescription or from health centers. They must pay a consultation fee and cover the cost of the vaccine.
HPV vaccines used in public programs are funded by the Directorate of Health, as allocated in the national budget. The campaign uses vaccines already procured under agreements for public vaccination, and the manufacturer has confirmed there will be enough supply for the entire target group.
You can contact your local health clinic to schedule an appointment. If the campaign is still active, check your clinic’s website first, as each determines its own schedule and locations for administering the vaccine.
Yes. The right to vaccination remains even if previously declined. Some vaccines have age limitations for free administration, but in special cases, they may be given beyond those limits.
In Iceland, youths aged 16 or older may request vaccination without parental consent. After turning 18, individuals pay for the vaccine themselves.
Funding is secured for doses used during the 2025–2026 school year. The manufacturer has guaranteed supply at least through the school year. The campaign, in collaboration with schools, public health, and the Chief Epidemiologist, is scheduled to end by the end of the school year.
After that, vaccine availability free of charge may again become limited to 7th-grade students only.
