Skopje, 15 April 2024 (MIA) - The regular immunization calendar has been modernized with the nonavalent HPV vaccine - GARDASIL 9, which will be available at vaccination sites in a month. Apart from the change from quadrivalent to nonavalent HPV vaccine, a novelty from this year is the fact that the vaccine will also be made available for boys, said Health Minister Ilir Demiri at a press conference Monday.

Minister Demiri said the vaccine will provide higher quality prevention against human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, precancerous lesions, as well as cervical cancer.

“This is a success achieved together with our international partners, aligning with the legal regulative and following the path to the European Union. The citizens of Europe and the U.S. have had this right for several years now, and now it’s being made possible in our country as well. With this vaccine we will provide higher quality prevention against HPV infections, as well as precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. As a result, according to studies in places where the vaccine has been used for years, the number of cases has been reduced,” Minister Demiri said.

The Minister said it is important that the vaccine will also be available to boys as well.

“Within a month, at every vaccination site, the vaccine will be available for the young generations so that they are vaccinated and more secure,” Demiri said.

He highlighted the Ministry’s engagement, which, he said, looks after the health of the citizens and prevention above all.

“Every child should be vaccinated against diseases for which there are vaccines. That’s how we will build a more secure health system. Prevention is better than cure,” Demiri underlined. 

Photo: MIA