Kosovo* introduces HPV vaccine in immunization schedule: outreach in schools and beyond to reach every girl

As of 20 February 2024, all girls aged 12 in Kosovo* are eligible to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for lifelong protection from cervical cancer. To comprehensively roll out the vaccine, Pristina health authorities launched a vaccination campaign at schools aiming to reach over 12 000 girls in 2024; 116 doses have already been administered during the first 2 days of the campaign. While most of these girls will be vaccinated in schools, health workers will also go door-to-door to reach girls from minority Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, who may have less contact with health and education systems.