From 1 June 2026, reimbursement for the Gardasil9® vaccine in Belgium will be extended to young adults up to age 30, Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health Frank Vandenbroucke announced.This measure aims to increase vaccination coverage and further reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers.
Health insurance will cover people aged 19–30 who have not yet been vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). Until now, reimbursement was limited to adolescents aged 12–18, a group covered since 2017 for girls and since 2022 for boys. Pupils in the first year of secondary school will continue to receive free vaccination through the federated entities.
For high-risk groups — people living with HIV, stem cell transplant recipients, and candidates for organ transplantation — reimbursement will be extended up to age 45.
HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus. While most infections clear spontaneously, persistent infections can cause cancer. HPV is linked to around 5% of all cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. In Belgium, 641 cases of invasive cervical cancer and 231 related deaths were recorded in 2022, according to Sciensano.
The full HPV vaccination schedule requires three doses. The retail price is €120.59 per dose. After reimbursement, patients will pay €12.80 per injection (€8.50 with increased reimbursement), or €38.40 for the full schedule. Health insurance will cover approximately €323.37 per patient.
By expanding reimbursement, health authorities aim to remove financial barriers and encourage more individuals to get vaccinated, even at a later age. This initiative is part of a broader public health strategy focused on prevention and early intervention.
Healthcare professionals continue to emphasize the importance of HPV vaccination for both women and men, as the virus affects all genders.
Source: De Specialist (NL)
Also read: HPV vaccine reimbursement – VRT News
