Luxembourg Extends HPV Catch-Up Vaccination to Ages 21 to 26

On Friday 17 April 2026, Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security announced the extension of HPV catch-up vaccination to young adults aged 21 to 26.

As part of European Immunization Week (EIW), which will run from Sunday 19 to Saturday 25 April 2026, Luxembourg is extending its catch-up vaccination programme against human papillomavirus (HPV), reflecting its continued commitment to strengthening cancer prevention.

Following a recommendation by the High Council for Infectious Diseases (CSMI) issued in February 2026, this extension will, on a transitional basis and for a three-year period, provide free HPV vaccination to young women and men aged 21 to 26 who were not vaccinated during adolescence. Previously, free catch-up vaccination was only available to individuals aged fifteen to 20. This extension raises the age limit to 26 years.

The vaccination schedule consists of two doses administered six months apart.

The ministry recalled that HPV is the most common viral infection of the genital organs. Although the vast majority of infections clear up spontaneously, some can develop into cancers, particularly of the cervix, anus, external genitalia or throat. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the majority of these HPV-related cancers.

Data from a survey conducted in Luxembourg in 2024 indicate that approximately one in two young adults is not fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 20. This coverage gap is particularly pronounced among young men, whose vaccination coverage remains significantly lower than that of young women. However, the risk of HPV exposure remains high in this age group. This catch-up campaign therefore aims to strengthen protection among a population that did not receive vaccination within the recommended timeframe.

The CSMI reiterated that vaccination is most effective when administered between the ages of nine and fourteen, and that improving vaccination coverage among children and adolescents remains essential. HPV vaccination can be administered by the patient's primary care physician. The authorities also stressed that vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening for women: a Pap smear is still recommended every three years starting at age 25.