Ukraine Launches National HPV Vaccination Program for Girls Amid Ongoing War

In a significant step towards safeguarding the health of young women, Ukraine has introduced the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its national immunization schedule. Starting January 1, 2026, girls aged 12–13 are now eligible to receive a single dose of the vaccine, marking the first addition to the country’s national immunization program in nearly two decades.

The rollout of the HPV vaccine is particularly noteworthy given the challenges Ukraine faces due to the ongoing war. Despite more than 2,880 attacks on healthcare facilities and the loss of over 600 health workers since the start of the conflict, the country is prioritizing preventative healthcare measures.

Early Vaccination Numbers and Goals

As of March 1, 2026, approximately two months after the vaccine’s introduction, nearly 47,500 girls – around 11% of the planned first-year cohort – have already been vaccinated. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the goal is to vaccinate about half of all eligible girls in the country by the finish of 2026, with future plans to expand vaccination to include other age groups.

“I was looking forward to the opportunity to vaccinate my daughter because I had been aware of this vaccine for a long time and had heard positive comments. So, I was delighted when our family doctor called me and invited my daughter to get the HPV shot. This vaccine is much-needed for girls because it prevents cancer,” says Olena, mother of 13-year-old Sofia, who recently received the HPV vaccine.

Addressing Cervical Cancer in Ukraine

The introduction of the HPV vaccine is a strategic response to the significant public health concern of cervical cancer in Ukraine. Approximately 3,000 new cases and up to 1,100 deaths are reported annually. WHO data indicates that HPV causes up to 70% of cervical cancer cases.

National Strategies Supporting Vaccination Efforts

The HPV vaccine rollout is supported by two national strategies approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine: the National Immunization Strategy and the Cancer Control Strategy. The National Immunization Strategy aligns with the WHO’s European Immunization Agenda 2030, aiming to strengthen immunization coverage and restore primary health care services disrupted by COVID-19 and the war.

The Cancer Control Strategy focuses on a multi-level system of measures for preventing malignant neoplasms.

Updates to Ukraine’s National Immunization Program

Alongside the HPV vaccine, Ukraine’s updated national immunization program includes several key changes:

• Exclusive use of inactivated polio vaccine, phasing out oral polio vaccine.
• Earlier second doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
• Targeted hepatitis B vaccination at birth for high-risk groups.
• Increased use of combination vaccines to reduce the number of clinic visits and injections.

Preparation and Support for Healthcare Professionals

To ensure a successful rollout, more than 200 regional trainers provided training to over 20,170 family doctors, pediatricians, and nurses across Ukraine. Medical specialists were prepared for the updates to the National Immunization Schedule starting February 27, 2026. WHO played a crucial role in this preparation, contributing to operational plans, clinical guidance, vaccine safety practices, and establishing a multi-sectoral coordination mechanism.

The nine-valent HPV vaccine, marketed as “Gardasil” by Merck Sharp & Dohme, arrived in Ukraine in December 2025 and is being distributed to regions. The vaccine was purchased through a managed access agreement for a two-year period, with additional deliveries planned for the summer of 2026.

Vaccination is free of charge and mandatory for girls aged 12–13.