Innovative HPV Vaccination Program for Children in Odesa
In Odesa, the innovative program for vaccinating children against the human papillomavirus (HPV) is being carried out using city budget funds.
Vaccination against HPV in children and adolescents effectively prevents cancer and other diseases of the reproductive system in adulthood.
HPV vaccination at a young age is a global standard for preventing the most common types of cancers associated with the papillomavirus. In Odesa, this preventive measure is part of the City Target Program “Health”.
The first HPV vaccinations in Odesa under the program were conducted in October 2023. Since then, over 4,500 children have been vaccinated, with approximately 2,200 receiving the first dose of the vaccine, and another 2,300 completing the full two-dose vaccination course.
Currently, the program provides free vaccinations for girls and boys aged 9-14. This approach may be adjusted in light of the Ukrainian Ministry of Health's plans to include mandatory HPV vaccinations for certain population categories in the National Vaccination Calendar starting next year. Therefore, medical professionals advise parents of children in this age group not to delay and to consult with a pediatrician, with whom a declaration has been signed, for vaccination.
Odesa has become the only city in Ukraine that offers free HPV vaccinations for children, ensuring gender equality by vaccinating both girls and boys.
The experience of our city in organizing vaccinations for children against HPV and implementing the pilot project “Odesa Against Cancer” has received high praise from experts at the national level.
