Odesa is actively implementing an innovative vaccination program for children against the human papillomavirus (HPV), funded by the city budget.

Vaccination against HPV in children and adolescents is an effective measure to prevent oncological diseases and other reproductive system issues in adulthood.

Vaccination at a young age aligns with global standards for preventing the most common types of cancer associated with the papillomavirus. In Odesa, this initiative is part of the City Target Program "Health".

The first vaccinations under the program took place in October 2023. Since then, over 4500 children have been vaccinated, including about 2200 who received the first dose and another 2300 who have completed the full two-dose vaccination course.

Currently, the program provides free vaccinations for girls and boys aged 9-14. This approach may be adjusted next year, as the Ministry of Health of Ukraine plans to include mandatory HPV vaccination for certain population groups in the National Vaccination Calendar. Therefore, doctors advise parents of children in this age group not to delay and consult with their pediatrician to schedule HPV vaccinations.

Odesa is the only city in Ukraine providing free HPV vaccinations for children while ensuring gender equality — vaccinating both girls and boys.

The experience of Odesa in organizing HPV vaccinations for children and implementing the pilot project "Odesa Against Cancer" has received high recognition from experts at the national level.