On January 16, information emerged regarding changes to the National Calendar of preventive vaccinations that will be implemented in 2026. Among other things, it is planned to make vaccinations against the human papillomavirus mandatory. Public discussions on the project are still ongoing. This was reported on the official page of the Ministry of Health on "Facebook".
Additionally, among the changes that the Ministry of Health plans to introduce are:
The most significant change in the National Calendar of preventive vaccinations is considered to be the introduction of vaccination against the human papillomavirus.
"The vaccine protects against those types of cancer caused by oncogenic types of the virus. The introduction of this vaccine will significantly impact the incidence rates of cervical cancer, which is a considerable issue for Ukraine," noted the chief sanitary doctor of Ukraine, Igor Kuzin, during a broadcast on "Media Center".
He also added that this represents a breakthrough for Ukraine, as such a vaccine was previously available only on a commercial basis. The proposed changes will make it free and mandatory.
Primarily, vaccination against HPV will target girls aged 12 to 13 and will be a one-time procedure. At the same time, girls who have been victims of sexual violence or are HIV-positive will be recommended to receive the vaccine as soon as possible, starting from 9 years old.
As for boys and girls over 14 years old, the HPV vaccinations will be recommended for them.