What happened
In Kyiv, girls aged 9–14 years are eligible for free vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccinations are being administered at the city's Primary Medical Care Centers as part of the municipal program "Public Health", funded from the city budget.
The city's Primary Medical Care Centers are supplied with a modern vaccine that protects against the most dangerous types of HPV.
— Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA)
Why it matters
Some types of HPV are linked to the development of cervical cancer. Vaccination before the onset of sexual activity builds protection against the most dangerous strains and significantly reduces the risk of oncological diseases in the future. This position is supported by international institutions — the WHO and the CDC recommend vaccination in early adolescence as an effective preventive measure.
Which vaccine and what’s next
This concerns the nine-valent vaccine, which covers the most aggressive HPV types. The vaccine has arrived in Ukraine and will be distributed to the regions by the end of December. Under the updated Immunization Schedule, from 1 January 2026 mandatory vaccination of girls aged 12–13 will begin.
For vaccination, contact the pediatrician or family doctor with whom a declaration is signed. Medical professionals emphasize: vaccination before the onset of sexual activity significantly reduces the risk of developing cancers in the future.
— KCSA
Practical steps for parents
1) Check which doctor you have a declaration with; 2) contact the pediatrician or family doctor at your Primary Medical Care Center; 3) arrange a date for the vaccination — the procedure is free for the specified age group. If questions arise about tolerability or contraindications, discuss them with the doctor before vaccination.
Brief conclusion
Kyiv’s decision to fund the vaccination is not only care for individual children but a strategic investment in the health of future generations and in reducing the burden on the healthcare system. The effectiveness of the measure will depend on the timeliness of informing parents and the availability of the vaccine in the regions; now it is up to local medical providers and families.
