Young women will continue to receive free vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) in 2024. Previously, women born between 1994-1998 received this offer, but now women born in 1999 are included. The goal is to eradicate cervical cancer the womb. Vaccinations against HPV are now being carried out in women's health care centers in family centres.
The research study being conducted includes expanding HPV vaccination among younger women, as the proportion of unvaccinated women at this age is still too large to stop the spread of HPV. The purpose of the study is to find out whether HPV and cervical cancer can be eliminated by having enough people in Sweden gain immunity.
– With the help of vaccination and screening against HPV, it is possible to eliminate cervical cancer, which will be the first cancer to be eradicated in the world, says Miriam Vatz, Development Director at Kulturum.
Vaccination in family centers
In the past, vaccinations within Jönköping County were carried out in health centres, but in the future this will be done through women's health care, in family centres. Women registered in the district population register and born in 1994-1999 who receive a summons for a gynecological Pap smear in 2024 will receive, in connection with the visit, an offer to vaccinate themselves against HPV and undergo an HPV self-test. The vaccination will also be offered at other midwife visits at the Family Centre.
Since 2019, a new vaccine has been used that provides broader and more comprehensive protection compared to the previous one. Therefore, the offer also includes women who have already been vaccinated against HPV. Miriam Vatz, development director at Cultorum, says the new vaccine increases protection against cervical cancer by up to 90 percent.
Book an appointment yourself
Women born in 1994-1999 can also make an appointment in person for free HPV vaccination at the Women's Health Service in Family Centres, or go to the reception desk in Jönköping and Värnamo.
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