National launch of human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program in Poland, 2023

Irmina Maria Michalek; Paweł Koczkodaj; Joanna Didkowska

doi:10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100436

National launch of human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program in Poland, 2023

Vaccine X. 2024 Feb 1:17:100436. doi: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100436. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Authors

Irmina Maria Michalek¹, Paweł Koczkodaj², Joanna Didkowska²

Affiliations

¹ Polish Onco-Hematology Registry, Polish National Cancer Registry, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland.
² Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland.

Abstract

Poland launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program in June 2023, transitioning from a recommended to publicly funded approach. Targeting mainly 12 to 13-year-olds, the program offers universal and cost-free vaccinations with Cervarix and Gardasil 9. The initiative, aligned with the National Oncology Strategy, involves 4945 healthcare facilities, ensuring accessibility across regions. The streamlined process, empowering parents to choose, includes diverse healthcare professionals.

Keywords: Cancer prevention; HPV immunization; HPV-related diseases; National vaccination program; Public health initiative; Vaccine accessibility.