Last year, over 80% of 11-year-old girls were vaccinated against HPV
In 2025, over 80% of Belarusian girls aged 11 received the vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV). This was reported by Kiryl Ihnatau, head of the immunoprophylaxis department at the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health.
Illustrative photo. Photo: "Nasha Niva"
The epidemiologist reminded that last year, vaccination against HPV, pneumococcal infection, and a booster shot against whooping cough were included in the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations.
According to him, vaccination against pneumococcal infection and HPV has long been in demand by the population. An additional whooping cough vaccine helps maintain immunity in children, especially after starting school, when they enter new groups and the risk of disease spread increases.
HPV vaccinations began in October 2025. In less than three months, over 80% of 11-year-old girls were vaccinated. According to Kiryl Ihnatau, this is one of the highest rates in the world among countries that introduced such vaccination into national programs.
The epidemiologist noted that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for public health protection. Over the past 50 years, they have saved more than 150 million lives worldwide. Today, new vaccines are also being developed against malaria, cholera, dengue fever, meningitis, respiratory syncytial infection, Ebola fever, monkeypox, and other diseases.
During European Immunization Week in April, an anonymous online survey was conducted, involving over 30,000 citizens and more than 6,000 medical professionals. Over 90% of respondents stated that vaccination according to the national calendar is necessary. More than 85% of respondents also reported knowing their vaccination status.
According to the specialist, Belarus annually achieves the recommended level of coverage with preventive vaccinations: no less than 97% of children and no less than 95% of adults eligible for vaccination.
Thanks to many years of systemic vaccination, Belarus has maintained its polio-free status since 2002, measles and rubella elimination status since 2016, and also achieved regional targets for viral hepatitis B control since 2023.
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