Free HPV Vaccination for Teen Girls in Ukraine
From 2026, Ukraine will provide free vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) for girls aged 12-13 for the first time.
This initiative is part of the national vaccination schedule, as announced by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
The state enterprise "Medical Procurements of Ukraine" has already signed a contract for the purchase of the nine-valent vaccine "Gardasil" produced by Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD). The first batches of the vaccine are expected in Ukraine by the end of 2025, after which they will be distributed across various regions.
The nine-valent vaccine protects against the nine most common types of HPV, seven of which have a high oncogenic risk.
The free single-dose HPV vaccination for girls is implemented in 75 countries. Overall, HPV vaccination is included in national immunization programs in 149 countries worldwide.
It is recommended to get vaccinated before becoming sexually active, as this is when the vaccine is most effective.
“Vaccination is not only a health issue but also a matter of equity. We strive for every child in Ukraine to have equal access to the prevention of serious diseases.
The procurement of the HPV vaccine is another example of how smart public procurement policies can save lives,” emphasized Oleg Klyots, the CEO of Medical Procurements of Ukraine.
This initiative applies only to girls, but teenage boys should also consider getting vaccinated against HPV. We have explained why it is important for men to get vaccinated and what diseases this virus can cause in our article.
