The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare conveyed today the message of Dr. Rovena Daja, head of the vaccination program at the Institute of Public Health (IPH).

According to Daja, “We do have a vaccine that can protect the young people. Since November 2022, within the framework of the national vaccination calendar, it has been applied to 13-year-old girls. Currently, since early January 2026, this vaccine has also been applied to 13-year-old boys.” Daja reiterated the appeal for parents to vaccinate boys and girls aged 13, according to the vaccination calendar.

” Vaccines are free at all health centers. Small acts, big impact”, concluded Daja.

Data provided by the Health Care Services Operator shows that during 2025, around 9,363 HPV vaccines were administered to girls throughout the country, while since January of the current year, vaccination has also begun for boys for the first time. /e.i/r.e/a.f/p.s./

In an interview for ATA Rovena Daja stated that HPV infection is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and causes a number of diseases and conditions in both females and males, including precancerous lesions, which can develop into cancer.

“Vaccination of the males significantly reduces the transmission of the virus in the population. By reducing the circulation of HPV, sexual partners are also protected and contributes to the creation of immunity in the population. Vaccination of females alone is not sufficient to completely curb the spread of the virus, especially in populations with high mobility and diverse sexual behaviors,” Daja emphasized.

Daja said that, “According to data recorded in the Vaccination Information System (SIV), 16 13-year-old boys have already received doses of the HPV vaccine nationally. It is expected that the number of vaccinations will increase progressively in the future, in parallel with more information, awareness of parents and the active involvement of health professionals in the community.”

“The vaccine is safe, widely studied and has been used for years in many countries around the world,” concluded Daja.

According to official data from the Health Care Services Operator, during 2025, there were administered around 9,363 HPV vaccines throughout the country, while since January of this year, vaccination has also begun for the first time even for boys. /e.i/r.e/a.f/p.s./