EU pushes for higher uptake of two key cancer-preventing vaccines

[January 31, 2024]  BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission is recommending measures EU countries should adopt to increase the uptake of two vaccines that prevent viral infections that can cause cancer, it said on Wednesday.

The two vaccines are against the human papillomaviruses (HPV) that can cause many cancers, including cervical cancer, and against hepatitis B (HBV), which can lead to liver cancer.

As part of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, the European Union wants member countries to reach HPV vaccination of 90% for girls by 2030 and significantly increase the rate for boys.

"Many Member States are well below 50% HPV vaccination coverage for girls with limited data available for boys and young adults, and there is a significant lack of data on HBV vaccination rate," the Commission statement said, adding it was as low as 1% in some countries.

To achieve this rate, the EU recommends countries provide free or fully reimbursable vaccination, set targets for boys and improve communication and access.

The HPV vaccines authorised in the EU are made by GlaxoSmithKline and Merck & Co.

(Reporting by Julia Payne; Editing by Mark Potter)

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