Girls in Albania now covered by free HPV vaccination program

In Albania, the National Vaccination Program aims to achieve high vaccination coverage with safe and effective vaccines to prevent infectious diseases throughout the country.

The HPV vaccine is one of them, protecting against certain types of human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause cervical cancer as well as other cancers, CE Report quotes ATA.

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MHSW) reports that 45,000 girls aged 13–20 have received the HPV vaccine over the past five years.

According to the MHSW, 10,000 of them received the vaccine in 2025 alone, an important indicator of awareness and attention to health.

The Ministry also announced that from January 2026, 13-year-old boys will be included in the National Vaccination Calendar for HPV, a significant step in preventing the spread of the virus and protecting young people’s health.

Dr. Rovena Daja, head of the vaccination campaign at the Institute of Public Health (ISHP), explained that there are over 150 types of HPV, most of which are not dangerous.

“Viruses 6 and 12 cause genital warts in both males and females. Viruses 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases in females. HPV is also dangerous for males, as they can carry, transmit, and in many cases cause genital and pharyngeal cancers,” said Daja.

According to Daja, the HPV vaccine has been administered to 13-year-old girls for more than five years.

“In addition to vaccinating 13-year-old girls, ISHP organizes catch-up vaccinations for all girls who have not received it since they turned 13. In total, over 45,000 girls have received the vaccine since its introduction, with over 10,000 vaccinated in 2025 alone,” she stated.

“Despite challenges observed with males, the proposal is to start vaccinating boys from January 2026, beginning with those turning 13 that year. The safest way to protect against HPV is to vaccinate before exposure, at age 13. This licensed vaccine is used worldwide and is offered free of charge at every health center as part of the national vaccination calendar,” Daja concluded.

The HPV vaccine is included in the national immunization program for all girls turning 13. It is offered as a single dose, based on the recommendations of the National Immunization Expert Committee and WHO expert group guidelines.