Innovative HPV Vaccination Program for Children in Odesa

Odesa is implementing an innovative vaccination program for children against the human papillomavirus (HPV) funded by the city budget.

Vaccination against HPV for children and adolescents effectively prevents oncological and other reproductive system diseases in adulthood.

HPV vaccination at a young age is a global standard for preventing the most common types of cancer associated with the papillomavirus. In Odesa, this initiative falls under the City Target Program "Health".

The first HPV vaccinations in Odesa were administered in October 2023. Since then, over 4500 children have been vaccinated, with approximately 2200 receiving their first dose and another 2300 completing the full two-dose vaccination course.

Currently, the program offers free vaccinations for girls and boys aged 9-14 years. This policy may be adjusted as the Ministry of Health of Ukraine plans to introduce mandatory HPV vaccinations for specific population categories next year. Therefore, medical professionals advise parents of children in this age group not to delay and to consult their family pediatrician regarding HPV vaccination.

Odesa has become the only city in Ukraine where children are vaccinated against the papillomavirus for free while ensuring gender equality — vaccinating both girls and boys.

The experience of our city in organizing HPV vaccinations for children and implementing the pilot project "Odesa Against Cancer" has received high praise from experts at the national level.