Extension of HPV vaccination to young adults aged 21 to 26

As part of the European Vaccination Week, which will take place from April 19 to 25, 2026, Luxembourg announces the extension of its vaccination program against the human papillomavirus (HPV). This extension reflects an ongoing commitment to strengthening cancer prevention.

Following an opinion issued by the Superior Council for Infectious Diseases (Conseil supérieur des maladies infectieuses – CSMI) in February 2026, this extension allows, on a temporary basis and for a period of three years, free HPV vaccination for young women and men aged 21 to 26 inclusive who were not vaccinated during adolescence. Until now, free catch-up vaccination was only available to individuals aged 15 to 20 inclusive. This extension now raises the upper age limit to 26.

The recommended vaccination schedule consists of two doses administered six months apart.

HPV and its risks

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the genital organs. Although the vast majority of infections clear spontaneously, some may progress to cancer, particularly cancers of the cervix, anus, external genital organs, or throat. Vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent the majority of these HPV-related cancers.

Targeted catch-up for a still-exposed population

Data from a survey conducted in Luxembourg in 2024 indicate that approximately one in two young adults is not fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 20. This gap in coverage is particularly pronounced among young men, whose vaccination rate remains significantly lower than that of young women at this age. However, the risk of HPV exposure remains high in this age group. This catch-up campaign therefore aims to strengthen protection for a population that did not benefit from vaccination within the recommended timeframe.

Recommendations and practical arrangements

The CSMI emphasizes that vaccination is most effective when administered between the ages of 9 and 14, and that it is both useful and necessary to improve vaccination coverage among children and adolescents. HPV vaccination can be carried out by a general practitioner. For women, it is recalled that vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening: a cervical smear test remains recommended every three years from the age of 25.

 Useful links:

Human papillomavirus infections: https://santesecu.public.lu/en/espace-citoyen/departement-sante/vaccination/maladies-vaccinables/universelle/infection-papillomavirus.html

Recommendations of the CSMI: https://santesecu.public.lu/en/espace-professionnel/departement-sante/professions-sante/recommandations/conseil-maladies-infectieuses/human-papilloma.html

Press release by the Ministry of Health and Social Security