HPV vaccination coverage among children and adolescents in Greece using national prescription data

To eradicate cervical cancer, the World Health Organization (WHO) targets 90 % human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage in girls by the age of 15 until 2030. In Greece, data regarding how close the country is to meeting this target, is completely lacking.

To assess annual HPV vaccination coverage among individuals aged 9-15 years in Greece (2022-2024).

This is a retrospective, population-based cohort study using the Greek National Electronic Prescription Database to record all HPV vaccine doses dispensed from 1/1/2019 to 31/12/2024. The annual vaccination coverage was estimated as the proportion of eligible population receiving at least one dose or the full vaccination scheme from January 1st, 2019, through December 31st of the respective reference year. Full vaccination scheme by age 15 was defined - according to national recommendations - as two doses at a minimum interval of 6 months.

From 2022 to 2024, the proportion of individuals 9-15 years old, who appropriately initiated vaccination increased from 34.7 % (2022) to 41.4 % (2024) in girls and from 10.8 % (2022) to 31.4 % (2024) in boys. The proportion of children who initiate HPV vaccination at the age of 9, increased from 3.5 % and 3.4 % in 2022 to 8.0 % and 7.4 % in 2024 in girls and boys respectively. Among girls turning 15, appropriate vaccine initiation rate marginally exceeded 63.0 % throughout the study period while full vaccination coverage increased from 47.7 % in 2022 to almost 52.5 % in 2024.

Despite notable improvements in HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents in Greece between 2022 and 2024, coverage levels remain suboptimal relative to the WHO's 90 % target. Limited early initiation despite national recommendations starting at age 9, highlight the need for targeted strategies to promote timely HPV vaccination and accelerate progress toward elimination goals.