Greece has made measurable progress in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among children and adolescents, according to newly published national digital data. However, vaccination rates remain far from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of 90% coverage among girls by age 15 by 2030.
The findings come from a study published in the international peer-reviewed journal Vaccine, offering the first nationwide assessment of HPV vaccination coverage in Greece using anonymized data from the country’s electronic prescription system and national social security registry. The analysis covers children ages 9 to 15 during the period 2022–2024.
Steady increase in vaccination uptake
The data show a consistent rise in HPV vaccination initiation across Greece. Among girls ages 9–15, the share who received at least one dose increased from 34.7% in 2022 to 41.4% in 2024.
The increase was even sharper among boys, whose inclusion in Greece’s National Immunization Program significantly boosted uptake. Vaccination initiation among boys rose from 10.8% in 2022 to 31.4% in 2024.
By age 15, approximately six in 10 girls had started HPV vaccination in each year of the study period. Among boys, uptake accelerated rapidly, with nearly 40% having received at least one dose before turning 15 in 2024.
Vaccination starts later than recommended
Despite overall improvement, the study highlights a key challenge: vaccination often begins later than recommended. The WHO and public health authorities advise starting HPV vaccination between ages 9 and 11, before potential exposure to the virus.
In Greece, however, uptake in this age group remains low. In 2024, only 18.6% of girls and 16.6% of boys ages 9–11 had received at least one dose, suggesting delayed initiation remains a systemic issue.
One in two girls does not complete vaccination
Completion of the full vaccination schedule presents an even greater concern. Full coverage, which is defined as receiving two doses by age 15, among girls increased modestly from 47.7% in 2022 to about 52.5% in 2024. This means nearly one in two girls in Greece has not completed HPV vaccination by age 15.
Among boys, progress has been substantial but coverage remains low. Full vaccination rose from just 1.0% in 2022 to 27.7% in 2024, leaving roughly three out of four boys incompletely vaccinated at age 15.
Regional gaps across Greece
Significant geographic disparities were also identified. The island of Crete consistently recorded the highest rates of both vaccination initiation and completion.
In contrast, the North Aegean and South Aegean regions showed the lowest coverage levels, particularly among adolescents reaching age 15. These findings underscore persistent access challenges in island and remote areas of Greece.
Social inequalities remain pronounced
The study also documents marked social inequalities. Children and adolescents born outside Greece were significantly less likely to start or complete HPV vaccination.
Among girls ages 9–15, timely vaccination initiation was approximately three times higher for those born in Greece compared with those born abroad, highlighting barriers faced by migrant and vulnerable populations.
Digital health data guide public policy
Researchers emphasize the critical role of national digital health systems in shaping public health policy. Greece’s electronic prescription platform allows continuous monitoring of vaccination coverage and precise identification of population groups with limited access to preventive care.
According to the study’s authors, reaching the WHO’s 90% target by 2030 will require policies that promote earlier vaccination, reduce regional and social disparities, and strengthen primary health care. Priorities include better information for parents and adolescents, along with targeted interventions in island regions and vulnerable communities.
About the study
The study, titled “HPV vaccination coverage among children and adolescents in Greece using national prescription data,” was published in the journal Vaccine (Volume 70, 2026). The research team includes scientists from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Greek e-Government Center for Social Security Services (IDIKA), and the Ministry of Health.
