In a new report from the Health Authority, it is revealed that the uptake of the HPV vaccination among Danish children is still below the desired targets. Particularly among minority ethnic children, lower participation rates have been observed, prompting the Health Authority to intensify their information campaign. The report, covering the child vaccination program in 2023, reveals that 89 percent of girls and 87 percent of boys have received the first dose of the HPV vaccine, while only 78 percent of girls and 75 percent of boys have received the second dose. This is still below the Health Authority’s goal of a 90 percent uptake.
The HPV vaccine is known to prevent serious diseases such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, and genital warts, making it concerning that the uptake is not higher. To address this challenge, the Health Authority has partnered with Mino Denmark, an organization working to improve health opportunities for minority ethnic Danes. Kirstine Moll Harboe, unit manager at the Health Authority, states that the collaboration with Mino Denmark has enabled direct dialogue with citizens through various events, where there has been open discussion about the HPV vaccine and questions from participants have been answered.
“We experienced a great engagement and many good conversations, which hopefully will lead to higher uptake rates in the future,” she says. The Health Authority continues to monitor uptake and works to raise awareness of the benefits of the vaccine, particularly in the groups where participation is lagging behind.