Nurses in upper secondary schools have offered vaccination to boys in these birth years in recent weeks, and many have accepted the offer.

Not all boys in these cohorts were vaccinated, and health centers within Heilsugæsla höfuðborgar-svæðisins are therefore offering vaccination to those who wish to receive it.

Those who would like to be vaccinated need to contact their health center to schedule an appointment. There is no fee.

About 1,800 already vaccinated

HPV vaccination has been offered to all 12-year-olds, regardless of gender, since fall 2023. The campaign for boys born in 2008 and 2009 was implemented in addition to those routine vaccinations. Vaccination was also offered this winter to boys born in 2010 in compulsory schools.

In total, nurses from the Primary Health Care of the Capital Area vaccinated nearly 1,800 boys in thirteen upper secondary schools in recent weeks. This represents just over half of the boys in these cohorts attending those thirteen schools.

The virus increases the risk of cancer

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common virus with many subtypes. These cause infections of the skin and mucous membranes. Some subtypes cause warts. Others cause few symptoms but can be persistent.

Almost everyone contracts some type of HPV during adolescence or early adulthood. Many clear the infection without ever knowing they had it. Because there are many subtypes, reinfection is possible. Infection with multiple subtypes at the same time or in sequence increases the risk of cancer.

Examples of cancers linked to the virus include:

• Cervical cancer and cancer of the external genital organs.

• Anal cancer.

• Cancer of the oral cavity or throat.

HPV vaccination has been shown to provide very strong protection against the virus, especially when given during adolescence.