Mandatory HPV vaccinations for teenage girls may be introduced in Ukraine, according to Makhota.

The Ministry of Health has put forward proposed changes to the vaccination schedule for public discussion, which include mandatory vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) for adolescents.

This was shared in an interview with "Dumka" by Lyubov Makhota, the director of the Kharkiv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the chief state sanitary doctor in the Kharkiv region.

According to Makhota, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine has initiated a public discussion on amendments to the vaccination schedule, which could take effect from January 2026. One of the key innovations will be the introduction of mandatory vaccination for girls aged 12-13 against human papillomavirus (HPV). Currently, this vaccination is recommended but not compulsory.

Medical experts note that HPV vaccination will significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer and other oncological diseases caused by this virus. According to specialists, HPV vaccination is a crucial part of the global fight against infectious diseases, as vaccines are used worldwide to protect against over 60 infections.

The new initiative from the Ministry of Health is part of an updated vaccination schedule, which is also expected to include other significant changes.