Starting from 6 September, 18-year-olds in Estonia can also get vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) at several pharmacies across the country. HPV vaccination is free of charge for young people aged 12–18.
“It is important to us that young people who have just reached adulthood are protected against dangerous infectious diseases. We are pleased to see that young people stepping into adult life are increasingly taking responsibility for their health and choosing to get vaccinated. To make this step more convenient—especially for those starting a new chapter in a new city this September—it is now possible to get HPV vaccination at pharmacies across Estonia. For young people up to and including 18 years of age, the vaccine is free of charge,” explained Hanna Jäe, Head of Vaccination Services at the Estonian Health Insurance Fund.
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is very common in Estonia. Over a lifetime, at least four out of five people become infected with one of its strains. The virus spreads through mucous membrane contact and can cause several malignant cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers. Each year, more than 200 new HPV-related cancer cases are diagnosed in Estonia.
“Enabling vaccination in pharmacies is an important step in improving the accessibility of preventive healthcare. For many people, the pharmacy is the closest and most convenient place to get vaccinated. Over the years, many have used this opportunity to gain protection against various diseases,” said Ly Rootslane, Head of the Estonian Pharmacists’ Association. “We are delighted that we can now also offer HPV vaccination in pharmacies to young adults.”
Until recently, HPV vaccinations were mainly provided by school nurses, but this summer the vaccine was also made more widely available at family doctor centres. Within three months, nearly 2,000 young people got vaccinated, almost half of them 18 years old.
Vaccinations in pharmacies are provided by appointment. Time slots can be booked via the website vaktsineeriapteegis.ee.
More information about the HPV vaccine, other routine immunizations, and infectious diseases is available at vaktsineeri.ee.
Source: Tervisekassa.ee