HPV vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
HPV vaccination: The HPV vaccination protects children early and effectively against infections with human papillomaviruses, which can cause precancerous stages and various types of cancer later in life. In Austria, vaccination is recommended from the age of 9, ideally between the ages of 9 and 11, in order to provide the best possible protection before possible contact with HPV.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
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What is HPV (human papillomavirus)?
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) mainly infect the skin and mucous membranes and multiply in the affected cells. In total, more than 200 different types of HPV are known, which can have very different effects. According to current knowledge, at least 14 of these types are considered oncogenic. This means that they Can trigger cell changes, which develop into precancerous lesions or cancer over a longer period of time.
Transmission of HPV
HPV is mainly caused by close skin and mucous membrane contact and is therefore a sexually transmitted virus. Infection usually occurs during intimate contact, such as vaginal, anal or oral contact. Although condoms reduce the risk, they cannot completely prevent transmission, as HPV is also passed on via areas of skin that are not covered.
Typical transmission routes are:
- vaginal intercourse
- anal intercourse
- oral contact
- Close, intimate skin contact, even without actual sexual intercourse
Even brief contact is enough to pass the virus from person to person. The vaccination is particularly effective if there has been no previous contact with HPV. Prevention therefore usually begins in childhood.
Symptoms of HPV
In most cases, an infection with HPV proceeds as follows without visible symptoms. Many of those affected therefore do not realize that they are infected and the virus often remains undetected for a long time. However, despite the absence of symptoms, HPV can cause changes to the cells in the background. Obvious symptoms of HPV are genital warts, which appear as small skin changes in the genital area.
Risk of infection and course of the disease
The risk of infection with HPV is very high: around 80 percent of sexually active people infect in the course of their lives, according to Ministry of Social Affairs.gv.at at least once with human papillomavirus. In many cases, the immune system eliminates the virus on its own within one to two years. However, if the infection persists, it can lead to pathological changes in the cells.
Depending on the HPV type and course, different health consequences are possible. The so-called high-risk HPV types in particular can Precancerous lesions and cancer cause. Possible courses of the disease include
- Development of cervical cancer, which is most frequently HPV-related,
- Occurrence of genital warts caused by certain types of HPV,
- Development of other forms of cancer, including anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar and throat cancer.
Vaccination against HPV: what it protects against
The HPV vaccination provides targeted protection against the HPV types that are responsible for the majority of HPV-related diseases. In Austria, the 9-fold HPV vaccine recommended.
According to gesundheit.gv.at this vaccine covers nine HPV types, which together are responsible for around 90 percent of cases of cervical cancer and genital warts.
Recommended age for HPV vaccination
In Austria, the HPV vaccination is from the age of 9 recommended. The ideal time is between the ages of 9 and 11, as the immune system responds particularly well to the vaccination at this age.
The HPV vaccination is particularly beneficial for children. At this age, the immune system reacts particularly well to the Vaccination, and the protection can be built up, long before there is any risk of infection. For this reason, the HPV vaccination in Austria is part of the generally recommended vaccinations and is also offered as part of school vaccinations.
Important in this context:
- Early vaccination leads to a particularly strong immune response.
- Protection already exists before the first possible contact with HPV.
- HPV vaccination is an integral part of the Austrian vaccination program.
- Vaccination is often also possible directly via school vaccination campaigns.
HPV vaccination procedure
In Austria, the HPV vaccination is part of the free vaccination program for children and adolescents from the age of 9 to 21. For young adults between the ages of 21 and 30, there was a time-limited catch-up campaign: the prerequisite for this was that the first HPV vaccination was administered by December 31, 2025 at the latest. In this case, the second dose can still be administered until June 30, 2026 can be taken out free of charge.
The vaccinations are administered by Pediatricians, general practitioners and specialists, at public vaccination centers (e.g. municipal authorities or district authorities) as well as within the framework of School vaccinations carried out. Before each vaccination, a doctor will provide information and advice.
The 2-dose regimen is the recommended standard regimen for HPV vaccination in children, adolescents and young adults:
1st doseThe first vaccination can be given to children from the 9th birthday. It aims to prepare the immune system for the HPV types. The body then forms antibodies that can react immediately in the event of subsequent contact with the virus.
2nd doseThe second vaccination is given after six months at the earliest, ideally within a period of six to twelve months after the first dose.
Info: If the second dose is administered too early, i.e. before five months have passed, the immune response is not sufficient. In this case, a third vaccination is necessary to ensure complete protection.
Vaccination promotion for adults: this applies in 2026
For adults aged 30 and over from 2026: The HPV vaccination remains medically advisable and recommended, but is no longer free and must usually be paid for by the customer. This applies to people who have not yet received an HPV vaccination or have not received a complete HPV vaccination. According to the vaccination recommendation, a 3-dose schedule is generally used for people aged 30 and over. The second dose is given around two months after the first, the third six to eight months later.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Who should be vaccinated against HPV?
HPV vaccination is useful for children, adolescents and adults, as most people become infected with HPV in the course of their lives. They protects against the most common HPV types, which can cause precancerous lesions, cancer and genital warts. Vaccination is recommended for girls and boys or women and men.
What is HPV simply explained?
HPV stands for human papillomaviruses. These are viruses that are transmitted via close skin and mucous membrane contact such as sexual intercourse.
Why should I have my child vaccinated against HPV?
The HPV vaccination protects best if it is used before the first possible contact with HPV takes place. During childhood, the immune system builds up particularly strong and long-lasting protection. This minimizes the risk of HPV-related cancer later in life.