It has been clearly demonstrated that vaccination against the HPV virus is an important measure in reducing the incidence of cancer. A campaign targeting the 2010 birth cohort was launched at primary healthcare centres last autumn, and the focus has now shifted to birth cohorts attending upper secondary schools.

HPV vaccination was introduced in Iceland in 2011, initially only for girls, but it has since been expanded. Two years ago, the vaccination began to be offered regardless of gender for specific age groups. HPV vaccines were originally primarily aimed at preventing cervical cancer, as it is by far the most common cancer associated with HPV; however, the vaccines have proven effective against HPV infections regardless of gender. Some HPV-related cancers other than cervical cancer are more common in men than in women, including HPV-related throat cancer. For this reason, gender-neutral HPV vaccination was introduced in Iceland around three years ago.

Vaccinations at Akureyri Junior College and Akureyri Technical College will begin in the latter half of January, and students will receive invitations to attend. School nurses will administer the vaccinations, and both students and parents/guardians may direct enquiries to the school nurses. The same service will be offered in other service areas of HSN, and further information will be announced shortly.

Vaccinations for adolescents who are not enrolled in upper secondary schools will take place at the Akureyri Primary Healthcare Centre in February and will be advertised closer to the date.

Further information about the vaccination campaign can be found by scanning the QR code in the image or by clicking on the link: HPV Vaccination for Boys Born 2008–2010 | Ísland.is