Don’t Miss It: HPV Catch-Up Vaccination Campaign for Young Adults in the Gooise Marine Region

2023-06-08 12:46:44

do 8 jun., 12:43

Concern

GOOISE MARINE Get the first shot against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as soon as possible. That is the message of the ‘Don’t miss it’ campaign that started on 31 May. This initiative of the RIVM and the GGD is aimed at young people born between 1996 and 2003. The HPV virus is highly contagious and is spread through intimate contact.

The vaccination is only free for them during the catch-up campaign this year. Because there is a minimum of five months between the two injections required, this campaign urges young people to take action quickly. Throughout the country, existing and additional vaccination locations are being renamed Halte HPV, where young adults can go without an appointment. In the ‘t Gooi and Vechtstreek regions, young adults can get the HPV jab without an appointment on June 10 (between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.) in the vaccination bus at Stationsplein in Hilversum.

Attendance

The turnout of the catch-up campaign in Gooi en Vechtstreek is comparable to nationally and is now approaching 20 percent. Research shows that a large proportion of young adults who have not yet been vaccinated do plan to get the shot. When asked, they indicate that they have not yet got around to it for various reasons. For free full vaccination it is necessary that the first injection is obtained before the summer. Only two injections provide long-term protection against HPV and there must be sufficient time in between. In the ‘t Gooi and Vechtstreek regions, around 18,000 young adults received an invitation at the beginning of 2023. For young adult men, the possibility of being vaccinated against HPV is new, a large proportion of women have already been vaccinated at a younger age.

Vaccination bus

To give as many young people as possible the chance to get the HPV vaccination, an HPV vaccination bus will be on the Stationsplein in Hilversum on Saturday 10 June between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Making an appointment is not necessary. Of course, every young adult who qualifies can also go to the regular vaccination locations of the GGD. This is possible on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with or without an appointment. Check the website of the GGD for the locations and opening hours. You can make an appointment via www.hpvafspraak.nl or call 0800-1608.

The HPV virus is highly contagious and is spread through intimate contact. Every year, an estimated 1,500 people in the Netherlands get cancer due to HPV, about 1,100 women and 400 men. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of HPV. The HPV vaccination protects against six types of cancer: in the mouth and pharynx and on the penis, anus, vagina, labia and cervix. The vaccine also protects young people who are already sexually active. In the Netherlands, the jab will be offered to girls from 2009, and boys will also be invited from 2022. More than a million young people have already been vaccinated. The effectiveness of the HPV vaccine is continuously studied, no permanent side effects have been found. For more information or help with making a choice, there is www.hpvkeuzehulp.nl.