Free HPV vaccination for all up to 30

Free HPV vaccination campaign in Austria 

On February 1, 2023, the Ministry of Health launched the free vaccination campaign for children, adolescents and young adults between the ages of 9 and 21. Just a few months later, the number of vaccinations has already doubled, according to Health Minister Johannes Rauch. One year later - on July 1, 2024 - the free vaccination program was extended up to December 31, 2025 and will now also be available for people between the ages of 21 and 30.

Why is the HPV vaccination necessary?

HPV infections are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases. In Europe, around 33,500 new cases of cervical cancer are registered every year, of which around 15,000 are fatal. In Austria alone, there are around 400 new cases of cervical cancer, or malignant changes in the cervical tissue, every year.

Although condoms reduce the risk of infection during sexual contact, they do not offer complete protection. In contrast, the HPV vaccination provides broad, effective and preventative protection against the HPV viruses that are responsible for the most common HPV-associated diseases. A high vaccination coverage rate can also contribute to the near eradication of diseases such as cervical cancer.

What is HPV and how can you protect yourself effectively?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus and is spread worldwide.The pathogens can cause cervical cancer and cancer of the mouth and throat, among other things.It is important to note that HPV can affect both women and men. Around 80% of all women and men become infected with HPV in the course of their lives.

The virus is primarily transmitted through intimate contact, whereby infection is already possible during the first sexual contact.The viruses enter the body via the tiniest injuries to the skin and mucous membranes. It is also possible to become infected via the mouth or throat. 

Early diagnosis of cervical cancer is carried out as part of gynecological screening and/or by means of an HPV test (from the age of 30). No laboratory diagnostic HPV test is currently approved for men; however, examinations for the early detection of cancer should be carried out regularly. 

Austrian vaccination program 

In principle, the Austrian vaccination schedule provides for two partial vaccinations at intervals of 6 to 12 months to ensure complete protection. If the first partial vaccination is administered after the 30th birthday, a total of three vaccine doses are required for immunity. Vaccination is usually advised by the age of 9 and serves not only as self-protection but also as protection for potential sexual partners.  

Good to know:
People who receive their first partial vaccination via the free HPV vaccination campaign, but have already passed the age of 30 at the time of the second, will still receive it at no cost. 

The HPV vaccination is free of charge for 9 to 30-year-olds and can be obtained from doctors in private practice, public vaccination centers (magistrates, district authorities, district offices), as part of school vaccinations or at local pharmacies, depending on the province. 

Booking a date for HPV vaccination 

In Austria, there is a large selection of different vaccination centers and vaccination locations for the campaign. Ideally, you should pre-arrange a vaccination appointment online; in Vienna, this is possible via the vaccination service of the City of Vienna. You can find an overview of all vaccination offers in the federal states on the website of the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK). 

In most federal states, you can obtain the vaccine from a pharmacy on presentation of a prescription or a vaccination voucher. You can obtain the vaccination voucher from your doctor. You can find the opening hours and on-call services of Austrian pharmacies on APO24.

Your APO24 team