7 Jul 2026
The 8th Bavarian Vaccination Week kicked off on Friday in Munich with an initiative by the BZKF to promote dialogue. The focus: raising awareness about the HPV vaccine. Health Minister Judith Gerlach supported the campaign. Dates: July 3–12, 2026.
Health Minister Judith Gerlach emphasized at the kickoff of Bavarian Immunization Week: “HPV infections are the leading cause of cervical cancer. They can also cause tumors in the mouth and throat or in the genital area. That is why it is important to get vaccinated early. Unfortunately, HPV vaccination rates in Germany are still too low, especially among young people. With this year’s Bavarian Vaccination Week, we are therefore focusing on the importance of the HPV vaccine. The goal is for as many people as possible to engage with this issue so that we can sustainably increase vaccination rates!”
The BZKF reports an initial positive response at the start of Bavarian Vaccination Week. Numerous passersby in downtown Munich took the opportunity to learn about the HPV vaccine, ask questions, and talk with experts. The strong response demonstrates the high level of interest in the topic and underscores the importance of easily accessible information resources. Bavarian Immunization Week thus sends an important message about prevention and health care in Bavaria and highlights the importance of vaccinations for public health.
Prof. Dr. Claus Belka, Deputy Director of the BZKF and Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Radiation Therapy and Radio-Oncology at LMU Medical Center Munich, explains: “Unfortunately, many parents and adolescents still know too little about human papillomaviruses and the possibilities of obtaining effective protection against HPV-related cancers through vaccination. Yet the HPV vaccine is one of the most effective preventive measures available: Model calculations show that, in a large international comparison of 14 vaccination programs across 117 countries, the HPV vaccine achieves the highest number of deaths prevented per 1,000 vaccinations. Every HPV vaccination administered on time is therefore an investment in the healthiest and most active life possible.”
The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective measures for cancer prevention. Nevertheless, vaccination rates remain significantly too low: In 2024, only 50 percent of 15-year-old girls and 30 percent of 15-year-old boys throughout Bavaria were fully vaccinated against HPV. As a result, Bavaria—like Germany as a whole—lags significantly behind its vaccination targets.
To comprehensively inform the public about the importance of HPV vaccination, the BZKF is working closely with the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care, and Prevention (StMGP), the Bavarian State Working Group on Vaccination (LAGI), and the Bavarian Center for Preventive Infectious Medicine (BZI). HPV education is also an important component of the StMGP’s Prevention Master Plan. In recent months, important momentum has already been generated through dialogue with numerous key communicators. During Bavarian Vaccination Week, these activities will be supplemented by numerous information and education initiatives throughout Bavaria.
On Wednesday, July 8, there will be a free online session for parents. Experts from the BZKF will answer all questions about the HPV vaccine anonymously.
The HPV vaccine is administered by private practice physicians at pediatric and adolescent medicine, general practice, urology, or gynecology clinics. Vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 9 to 14, as the vaccine is most effective when given before the first sexual encounter. Adolescents who were not vaccinated at this age should get vaccinated as soon as possible, but no later than their 18th birthday. The HPV vaccine may also be beneficial for adults following individual medical consultation, as it can protect them against HPV types they have not yet been exposed to. Talk to your doctor.