Despite the fact that human papillomavirus can lead to both cancer and sexually transmitted diseases, only one in ten young men are vaccinated against the virus.
This is shown by a survey from RFSL Ungdom – which wants to see decisive action from the government.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to be able to lead to cell changes and cervical cancer in women. Since 2010, all girls in middle school age have been offered free vaccination.
However, the virus also risks making men ill and can cause both condyloma and several types of cancer. Despite the risks, only one in ten men between 18 and 27 years old say they have been vaccinated, according to a survey conducted by RFSL Ungdom.
Many willing to take the vaccine
Around 80 per cent of unvaccinated men think they would be willing to take the vaccine – if it were free. Elias Fjellander, chairperson of RFSL Ungdom, recognises the picture the survey gives.
If you're a girl and miss the vaccine in school for some reason, you can often get it for free as an adult. That's not the case if you're a boy, he says.
Taking the vaccine costs thousands of kronor. Which young person can afford that?
Vaccination against HPV is primarily recommended for people under 27 years old. According to RFSL Ungdom, several regions have expressed a positive view on extended free vaccination, provided the state co-finances.
Offering free vaccines to young adult men would, according to the Public Health Agency, potentially cost around 1.1 billion kronor in total.
It's a lot of money, you can't hide that. But HPV-related diseases also have health economic consequences, including cancer care and production losses, says Fjellander.
It's not that anyone doesn't agree that this is important, but the difficulty lies in the government not prioritising it in the state budget.
"Total betrayal"
From 2020, HPV vaccination has also been offered to boys in middle school age, which is expected to increase the vaccination rate among men in the long run. Fjellander stresses the importance of speeding up the process.
Those who are offered the vaccine in school get vaccinated to a high degree. But for those who haven't been offered it, and are at an age where the vaccine is still effective, it's a total betrayal, he says.
HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Sweden.
In total, 1011 randomly selected individuals between 18 and 27 years old participated in the survey. It shows, among other things:
86 per cent of unvaccinated young adults would be willing to get vaccinated.
43 per cent are aware that HPV can lead to condyloma.
40 per cent are aware that HPV can lead to cancer in both men and women.
Source: RFSL Ungdom/Verian/Sifo
