HPV vaccination

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) can cause cancer. In Germany, over 6,000 women and around 1,600 men are diagnosed each year with HPV-related cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and the mouth and throat. The viruses are mainly transmitted through sexual contact via the mucous membranes. An HPV vaccination can protect against infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and thus prevent cancer or precancerous lesions (dysplasia).

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) can cause cancer. The viruses are mainly transmitted through sexual contact via the mucous membranes. In Germany, over 6,000 women and around 1,600 men are diagnosed each year with HPV-related cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and the mouth and throat.

Condoms offer only partial protection against HPV infection and do not provide sufficient protection on their own. Only the HPV vaccine can provide reliable protection against high-risk HPV types.

Studies to date have shown that the HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before a person becomes sexually active. This is because sexual intercourse is the main risk factor for HPV infection. The risk of infection increases with the number of sexual partners. The HPV vaccine can only be fully effective if the person has not already developed a persistent HPV infection caused by a type of HPV contained in the vaccine prior to vaccination. As the protective effect diminishes with increasing age or with more frequent sexual contact, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) does not recommend the vaccine for adults.

Several HPV vaccines are currently authorised in Germany. The HPV vaccines differ in terms of how many types of papillomavirus they are designed to protect against.  The following exist: 

The key high-risk virus types are HPV 16 and 18. Other high-risk virus types include HPV 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.

Together, these high-risk types account for 90% of all cases of cervical cancer. Gardasil^® 9 also protects against the low-risk types 6 and 11, which cause harmless genital warts.

The vaccination course usually consists of two doses. If the first dose is administered from the age of 15, three doses are required.

In general, the vaccines are safe and well tolerated. Typical and harmless reactions to the vaccination include swelling, redness and pain at the injection site. Common side effects include bruising and itching at the injection site, fever, tiredness, dizziness and nausea. In rare cases, the following side effects have been reported: fainting, allergic reactions, swollen lymph nodes (in the neck, armpits or groin), muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the arms, legs and upper body, or confusion (Guillain-Barré syndrome, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis), vomiting, joint pain, muscle pain, unusual tiredness or weakness, chills and general malaise. For further information about risks and side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The costs of HPV vaccinations are covered for SBK insurants aged between 9 and 17 (i.e. up to the day before their 18th birthday) and are billed directly via the SBK Healthcare Card. From your 18th birthday up to the age of 26 (i.e. until the day before your 27th birthday), we will reimburse the vaccination costs as an SBK additional benefit based on the private invoice you submit.

If women have been diagnosed with precancerous lesions (CIN I–III) or have dysplasia and have undergone conisation or laser vapourisation, a doctor may, where appropriate, recommend HPV vaccination. Once we have received the diagnostic report, a doctor’s recommendation for the vaccination, the vaccination prescription and the pharmacy invoice, we will reimburse the full cost of the HPV vaccination, regardless of your age. 

Simply submit the invoice online via Meine SBK. Alternatively, send your documents by post. You can find our address and a prepaid envelope here. Your reimbursement will arrive in your account by bank transfer after a few days.

Submit invoice

You can get the HPV vaccination at GP practices, paediatric and adolescent medical practices as well as gynaecological practices. It’s best to check in advance whether the practice has the vaccine in stock. You may also be given a prescription first. You can then collect the vaccine from a pharmacy and bring it with you to your vaccination appointment at the practice.

You can find answers to the most important questions about the HPV vaccination here (in German only)

Further information on the HPV vaccination (Fact sheet)