HPV Vaccination Rates Lag in France Despite Cancer Prevention Benefits

French health officials are urging parents to authorize HPV vaccinations for their children, as current rates remain low despite the vaccine’s proven ability to prevent thousands of cancers annually. Efforts are underway to increase uptake, particularly among boys, with a national goal of achieving 80% vaccination coverage.

Current Vaccination Rates and Concerns

As of February 2026, only 11.5% of eligible students in French colleges have received the HPV vaccine with parental authorization, a figure described as “too weak” by Health Minister Stéphanie Rist. While this rate is similar to last year’s at the same time, officials are pushing for a significant increase before the end of June. The government aims to vaccinate 80% of the target age group, as this threshold is considered necessary to substantially reduce the incidence of uterine and other cancers.

Progress and Campaigns

Despite the overall low rate, there has been positive progress in recent years. In 2024, 58% of 15-year-old girls and 39% of 15-year-old boys were vaccinated against HPV, representing a threefold increase in vaccination rates among boys. This indicates a growing awareness and acceptance of the vaccine’s benefits for both genders. The college vaccination campaign was launched in October 2023.

The Importance of HPV Vaccination

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is linked to over 7,000 cancer cases each year. Vaccination is a crucial preventative measure against these cancers, protecting both individuals and the wider population. The vaccine is offered free of charge in all public and private colleges under contract.

Government Initiatives and Collaboration

The push for increased vaccination rates is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of National Education, led by Édouard Geffray, and the Ministry of Health, led by Stéphanie Rist. The ministers recently visited Jean Moulin college in Paris to discuss the importance of HPV vaccination with students and address parental concerns.

Source: French Ministry of Education

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