HPV vaccination rates in southern Sweden remain significantly below national targets, despite expanded access to free vaccines for young adults, according to recent reports from regional health authorities and media analyses.
Since December 2024, the Public Health Agency of Sweden has recommended HPV vaccination for all individuals under 27 years of age. Region Skåne began offering free catch-up vaccinations to this group on May 2, 2025, following the national guidance. However, uptake has been slow, with only about 4 percent of the eligible population vaccinated by December of the previous year.
The initiative aimed to reach approximately 34,000 men and 3,000 women who had not previously received the vaccine. Health officials had hoped that removing financial barriers would strengthen preventive efforts, particularly for young men who had not previously been eligible for publicly funded catch-up doses.
Historical data shows persistent challenges in the region. Among women born between 1994 and 1999 who were offered vaccination through a national program, only 53.9 percent in Region Skåne received the vaccine—nearly the lowest rate in Sweden and well below the national average of 64.7 percent. The national goal of 70 percent coverage was not met in this cohort.
Experts suggest that structural and organizational factors play a major role in vaccination disparities between regions. A recent opinion piece highlighted that Region Blekinge has achieved better results by offering vaccinations directly in schools, such as at Furulundsgymnasiet, where on-site delivery improved access.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection spread through skin-to-skin contact, with certain high-risk types linked to cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar and oropharyngeal cancers. Types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancer cases. While most infections clear naturally, persistent infection increases long-term cancer risk.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing HPV-associated cancers. Public health officials emphasize that improving access and delivery methods—such as school-based programs—could help close regional gaps and increase protection across the population.
