Family doctor Diana Ingerainen learned from the Health Insurance Fund that many of her teenage patients have not been vaccinated against HPV. According to her data, 44% of the target group is unvaccinated, especially among Russian-speaking children.
Ingerainen says that the HPV vaccine can help prevent cancer. In Sweden, vaccination has reduced the incidence of cervical cancer. She notes that one reason for the low vaccination rate is that parental consent does not reach the school nurse.
The Health Insurance Fund, however, is more positive. They say that in Estonia, over 53% of 14-year-old girls have been vaccinated. This is a good result, but the WHO recommendation is over 90%.
The low vaccination rate among Russian-speaking children is due to large schools where it is difficult for school nurses to vaccinate everyone. Also, some schools are against vaccination.
Kerli Reintamm-Gutan, a representative of the Ministry of Social Affairs, says that a digital consent system could help improve vaccination rates. It is currently unclear whether a 16-year-old can be vaccinated without parental consent.
In conclusion, it can be said that HPV vaccination in Estonia is increasing, but there is still room for improvement. Those under 18 can get vaccinated for free.