The health centre is collecting applications for free HPV vaccination

The Health House in Maribor will organize a free HPV vaccination day on Tuesday, July 28, aimed at young individuals under the age of 26 who are eligible for free vaccinations through mandatory health insurance, as well as those opting for self-paid inoculations. The event will take place at the fifth floor of Ulica talcev 5. Registration must be done via a mobile application beforehand. The vaccination is considered most effective before the onset of sexual activity, when an individual has not yet been exposed to the virus. Health professionals emphasize that HPV infections are among the most common sexually transmitted infections. Most sexually active individuals contract the virus at least once in their lifetime, with many cases resolving on their own. However, prolonged infection with certain high-risk HPV types can lead to serious health consequences, including cervical cancer, penile cancer, anal cancer, vulvar cancer, oral cavity cancer, and precancerous changes along with genital warts. In Slovenia, approximately 200 people fall ill annually due to cancers linked to HPV infections, while around 1,600 women undergo surgical treatment each year for precancerous changes in the cervix. Doctors stress that vaccination is most effective before the start of sexual activity, when an individual has not yet encountered the virus. At this stage, the vaccine can provide maximum protection against infection with the most dangerous HPV types. The vaccine does not treat existing infections but prevents new ones. Vaccination is crucial for both girls and boys. Boys can also contract the virus and face risks such as penile, anal, or oral cavity cancer, or develop genital warts. Simultaneously, vaccinating both genders reduces the circulation of the virus within the population and contributes to better protection for all. For everyone under the age of 26, vaccination is covered by mandatory health insurance and thus free of charge. Self-paid vaccination is also possible, with each dose costing 73.50 euros. Three doses of the vaccine are required for complete protection. Those wishing to participate in the vaccination must register in advance through a mobile application. Registered participants will receive an SMS message three days prior to the vaccination date with their appointment time. The vaccine is considered one of the best-researched vaccines globally, having been used in over 100 million doses worldwide. Its safety is monitored by healthcare institutions and regulatory bodies in numerous countries. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as brief fatigue, headache, or slight fever. Severe adverse effects are extremely rare, and the benefits of vaccination in preventing cancer and other diseases associated with HPV infection significantly outweigh potential risks according to professional assessments. Experts emphasize that vaccination does not replace screening examinations or other measures for safe sex. Preventing and especially early detection of cervical cancer is key, which requires regular HPV testing and cervical smear tests within the national screening program ZORA, which includes women in appropriate age groups. The combination of vaccination and regular screening exams enables the most effective prevention of cervical cancer. At the same time, experts warn that condom use remains essential during sexual relationships. Although condoms do not fully protect against HPV infection, as the virus can spread through skin-to-skin contact, they effectively protect against several other sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV infection, and hepatitis B. Therefore, they remain one of the key preventive measures.