In all of Sweden’s regions, women and girls born between 1994 and 1999 have, since 2022, had the opportunity to get vaccinated against HPV for free, against the condition that they participate in a national research study from Karolinska.
The types of the virus found in the vagina can cause cell changes and cancer, and are transmitted through sexual contact. By getting vaccinated, you both protect yourself and can contribute to eradicating cervical cancer in Sweden, according to the researchers behind the study.
According to the original planning, the vaccine would have returned to costing SEK 6,000 at the turn of the year. Now, however, it is clear that the vaccine will continue to be free for another six months – in all regions.
In three regions, Kalmar, Värmland and Halland, they are said to have already achieved or are very close to achieving herd immunity.
– It is rolling along at such a very good speed right now, so that I have called on the regions that have not achieved a 70 percent level of population immunity to continue providing free vaccinations for another six months, says Joakim Dillner.
“ketchup effect”
The estimate is that a herd immunity can be achieved when 70 percent of women under 30 have taken the vaccine. The goal of the project is to eradicate HPV and cervical cancer by 2027.
– We are a little behind in the planning, but now things are going well. It is absolutely not that we have lost speed, but rather the opposite that there has been a very high speed in the last two months, says Joakim Dillner.
During the autumn, the call to vaccinate has been widely spread on social media, and those who have not yet taken the vaccine are still encouraged to do so.
That the vaccination rate has increased is no coincidence – there has been a national investment in communication about HPV and as recently as July an extra grant came from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
– Then there was almost a bit of a ketchup effect two months ago where suddenly there was a very big impact regarding this project and a lot of people who want to be involved, says Joakim Dillner.
“Should be free for all”
The initial announcement, to end the free injection at the turn of the year, stirred up emotions. Critics argued that it made healthcare a class issue, as not everyone could afford to be vaccinated against the virus.
The HPV vaccine is already free for everyone in primary school through student health. The Public Health Authority has also carried out an investigation that it should be free for boys up to the age of 26 to get vaccinated.
– My personal opinion is that it should also be free for all women – at least up to 26, so that we have gender-neutral decisions, says Joakim Dillner.
Questions and answers about vaccination against HPV
HPV can be spread during all forms of sex: intercourse, oral sex, caressing sex. This also applies if you have a permanent partner. You or your partner may have had HPV a long time ago, before you met. You don’t notice yourself if you have HPV. But it can be detected with the help of regular tests.
HPV can cause cell changes. Most cell changes heal and disappear on their own. But some cell changes need to be treated so that they do not develop into cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is rare, and it takes a long time to get it.
If you need treatment against cell changes in the cervix, you have the same opportunity as before to get pregnant. But there is a slightly increased risk of giving birth too early.
Treatment for cervical cancer in later stages can make it no longer possible to get pregnant.
There are many varieties of HPV. The vaccine used now protects against more variants than before. It is safe to vaccinate again. Therefore, even you who are already vaccinated can get the free shot, if the other conditions suit you.
– HPV can lead to cervical cancer, which people born with a cervix can get.
– HPV spreads a lot when you are 25 to 30 years old.
– Many are unvaccinated.
You can still get vaccinated against HPV, but you have to pay for it yourself. You can get vaccinated against HPV regardless of gender. The virus can also cause cancers other than cervical cancer.
Contact a health center or vaccination clinic if you want to get vaccinated.
All children are offered vaccination through student health.
Source: 1177.se