Urgent Call for Equity: Christian Democrats Demand HPV Vaccine Access for Young Men in Jönköping County
Jönköping County, Sweden – A group of young men in Sweden’s Jönköping county are facing potential exclusion from vital HPV vaccination programs due to political delays, prompting a strong response from the Christian democrats (KD). The party is urging immediate action to extend free vaccination access to those who turned 26 during the period a key political decision was postponed.
The call comes as Sweden celebrates a meaningful public health victory: a 56% decrease in cervical cancer incidence among women under 40 since 2015, directly attributable to the HPV vaccine. This success positions Sweden to potentially eradicate cervical cancer altogether.
however, KD representatives argue that achieving this goal requires equitable access for all individuals at risk. “We cannot except that a group of young men are left behind simply due to a technicality,” stated Stina Sinclair (KD), a regional council member. “HPV affects men too. They are vulnerable to infection, can transmit the virus, and are at risk of developing HPV-related cancers themselves.”
The issue stems from a delay in implementing a political decision to extend HPV vaccine recommendations to young men. Those who reached the age of 26 during this delay now face being excluded from the free vaccination programme.
“This is a small cost for the region, but a huge gain for public health,” emphasized Leon Norsåsen (KD), a candidate in the upcoming regional election. “Sweden has the opportunity to be a world leader in cervical cancer eradication, but only if we prioritize an equal health policy that leaves no one behind.”
Zeljka Axelsson (KD),a regional politician,and Liam Runström jardbring (KD),also a candidate in the regional election,joined in the call for action. The KD representatives stress the importance of ensuring the HPV vaccine can fully deliver on its life-saving potential.
