Vaccination Against Cervical Cancer Starts in Ukraine: Who Will Receive the Shot.

According to ТСН: A long-awaited vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV) has already appeared in Ukraine, which will soon be available in hospitals across all regions. The vaccination campaign is planned to start right after the New Year. The shot is mandatory for girls aged 12-13.

This was reported by the Ministry of Health.

Who and When Will Be Vaccinated

According to the updated National Vaccination Calendar, vaccination will begin on January 1, 2026. The target group is girls aged 12–13, for whom the shot will be free and mandatory.

What Vaccine Has Arrived

The medical procurement of Ukraine has received the American vaccine “Gardasil” (manufacturer Merck Sharp & Dohme). This highly effective nine-valent preparation protects against 9 types of the papillomavirus, including the most dangerous oncogenic types (16 and 18).

“The first batch will be delivered to the regions by the end of December… The supply of the remaining quantities is planned for the summer of 2026,” the agency noted.

The state was able to purchase this important vaccine at special discounts through direct agreements with the manufacturer.

Why This is Vital

The human papillomavirus is primarily transmitted sexually and is the leading cause of cervical cancer (up to 70% of cases).

The statistics in Ukraine are shocking:

• About 3000 cases of cervical cancer are registered each year.

• The mortality rate from this disease in Ukraine is 2.5 times higher than in EU countries.

Vaccination of adolescents (before the start of sexual life) forms immunity that protects women from infection and possible cancer development in the future. Such immunization programs have already been implemented in 149 countries around the world.

It is worth noting that starting January 1, the National Vaccination Calendar in Ukraine is being updated — these are important changes for thousands of Ukrainian families, based on modern scientific research and the experience of other countries.

The introduction of HPV vaccination will be an important step in the fight against oncological diseases, as Ukraine's statistics on cervical cancer are among the worst in Europe. With new opportunities to reduce risks for youth, the country is moving towards improving the health of future generations.