HPV vaccination in Vienna
Human papillomaviruses, HPV for short, are among the most common sexually transmitted infections. Around 80 per cent of sexually active people become infected with HPV in the course of their lives, usually without noticing. Most infections clear up by themselves within one to two years. If an infection with certain high-risk types persists, however, cell changes can develop over the years, and these can lead to cervical cancer. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are linked to HPV. HPV vaccination protects against the most important cancer-causing virus types and is therefore one of the most effective ways of preventing HPV-related disease. In my private practice in Vienna's 9th district, I advise you on HPV vaccination, answer any open questions and give the vaccination, for you or for your child.
What are HPV and why are they dangerous?
More than 200 different HPV types are known. Some of them mainly infect the skin and mucous membranes in the genital area. A distinction is made between high-risk and low-risk types. Together, the high-risk types HPV 16 and 18 cause a large proportion of cervical cancers. Low-risk types such as HPV 6 and 11, by contrast, are mainly responsible for genital warts, also known as condylomas. These are benign, but can be contagious and stubborn.
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV is transmitted through direct contact with skin and mucous membranes, particularly during sexual contact. Infection is possible during vaginal, anal or oral sex, but also through close skin contact in the genital area.
Condoms can reduce the risk of infection but do not offer complete protection, because HPV can also infect areas of skin that are not covered by the condom.
Besides cervical cancer, certain high-risk types can also be involved in the development of cancer of the vagina, vulva, anus and penis, and of the mouth and throat. HPV-related diseases therefore affect women and men. For this reason, vaccination is recommended for both sexes.
HPV test and cervical smear (Pap smear)
The Pap smear and the HPV test are used for the early detection of cervical cancer. In a Pap smear, cells from the cervix are examined for changes. The HPV test, by contrast, detects high-risk types of the virus.
From the age of 30, a validated HPV test at intervals of several years is recommended in Austria. The Pap smear and the HPV test can be used depending on the situation and the screening strategy; routine double testing with both at the same time is not generally recommended.
A positive HPV test means neither cancer nor a precancerous lesion. Which further examinations are required depends, among other things, on the HPV type detected, the Pap smear result and earlier test results. With certain abnormalities, a colposcopy, which is an examination of the cervix under magnification, may be necessary.
Most HPV infections clear up by themselves. If an infection with a high-risk type persists over a longer period, the risk of higher-grade cell changes increases.
It is important to know that HPV vaccination does not treat an infection that is already present. It can, however, protect against new infections with the HPV types contained in the vaccine. Vaccination and regular screening therefore complement each other.
Why do I recommend HPV vaccination?
During my many years at the University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Vienna General Hospital (AKH Wien), I cared for many women with cell changes of the cervix, from mild dysplasia to precancerous lesions requiring treatment and cervical cancer. As early as 1989, I was working in vulval and dysplasia diagnostics at the Second University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (II. Universitätsfrauenklinik).
From long clinical experience I therefore know which examinations and treatments a persistent HPV infection can lead to. One example is conisation (cone biopsy), in which a cone-shaped piece of abnormal tissue is removed from the cervix.
HPV vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer and genital warts. It also lowers the risk of other HPV-related cancers. Its effectiveness and safety are now well documented by extensive data from many countries.
For me, HPV vaccination is therefore an essential part of cancer prevention. I recommend it for girls and boys as well as for unvaccinated adults, where vaccination makes sense given their age and personal situation.
Who should have the HPV vaccination?
HPV vaccination has the greatest benefit when it is given before the first sexual contact. In Austria it is recommended from the ninth birthday, ideally between the ages of nine and eleven. At this age the immune system responds particularly well, and vaccination usually takes place before the first contact with HPV.
But vaccination can also be worthwhile later. Someone who is already sexually active has usually not yet come into contact with all the HPV types the vaccine protects against. The Austrian vaccination schedule therefore recommends catching up on the vaccination up to the 30th birthday. After that, it can still be worthwhile depending on your personal situation.
I ask adult women about their vaccination status as part of the gynaecological check-up. Vaccination can also be worthwhile after HPV-related cell changes have already been treated. Studies show that after conisation it can reduce the risk of higher-grade cell changes recurring.
The recommendation applies to girls and boys, and to women and men. Men likewise benefit from protection against genital warts and HPV-related cancers. At the same time, vaccination can reduce the likelihood of passing HPV on to sexual partners.
HPV vaccination for children and adolescents
Many parents wonder whether nine or ten is rather early for HPV vaccination. Medically, this is precisely a good time: the immune system responds particularly well, and protection is already in place before HPV becomes relevant at all. I am happy to discuss the vaccination with you and your child in an age-appropriate way and to answer any open questions.
HPV vaccination in adulthood
Vaccination can also be worthwhile for adults, for example with a new partner, after earlier HPV-related cell changes, or if vaccination protection is not yet complete. However, the vaccination does not treat an HPV infection that is already present. It can protect against new infections with HPV types to which there is not yet any immunity.
What does HPV vaccination involve?
Before the vaccination, I go through your vaccination status to date and the appropriate vaccination schedule with you. An HPV test is not required before vaccination. A previous or currently detected HPV infection is, in principle, also no reason to forgo the vaccination. The vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm.
How many doses are needed?
According to the current Austrian vaccination schedule:
If a vaccination series has been interrupted, it does not have to be started again from the beginning. The missing doses are simply given. After the vaccination you stay in the practice for a short while for observation.
It is important to know that HPV vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening. It does not protect against all cancer-causing HPV types. Regular Pap smears or HPV tests therefore remain important for vaccinated women too.
What side effects can HPV vaccination have?
HPV vaccination has been extensively studied and is considered well tolerated. Temporary reactions at the injection site, such as pain, redness or swelling, are common. Headache, tiredness or a slight temperature can also occur. In adolescents in particular, dizziness or a brief faint can occur after a vaccination. This is why the vaccination is given sitting or lying down and is followed by a short period of observation.
Severe allergic reactions are very rare. The available safety data give no indication that HPV vaccination causes chronic illness. During pregnancy, a planned HPV vaccination is postponed until after the pregnancy as a precaution. Vaccination is generally possible while breastfeeding.
Why Prof. Obwegeser?
I have been a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics since 1993 and worked at the University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Vienna General Hospital (AKH Wien) from 1989 to the end of 2023. As early as 1989, I was dealing with HPV-related cell changes in vulval and dysplasia diagnostics. Later, gynaecological oncology also became one of my clinical specialisms. This experience informs the advice I give. I explain what protection HPV vaccination offers, where its limits lie and which vaccination schedule is suitable for you. There is enough time for your questions.
What does HPV vaccination cost?
The cost depends on age. As of September 2026, HPV vaccination in Austria is free of charge under the public vaccination programme for people from their ninth to their 21st birthday. The temporary free catch-up campaign for people up to their 30th birthday has now ended: first doses were available free of charge until 31 December 2025, and the corresponding second doses until 30 June 2026. Vaccination remains generally recommended up to the 30th birthday. From the 21st birthday, there may therefore be costs for the vaccine and for giving it. We will be happy to clarify in advance by telephone what costs arise in my private practice and how the vaccine is obtained.
I am already over 30. Is vaccination still worthwhile?
It can be. After the 30th birthday, the decision is made on an individual basis. Vaccination can be worthwhile in particular with HPV-related dysplasia, a confirmed HPV infection, changing sexual partners or certain risk factors.
Do I need an HPV test before vaccination?
No. An HPV test is not a requirement for vaccination. An existing infection with one HPV type does not rule out possible protection against other types contained in the vaccine.
Does the vaccination protect me if I am already HPV-positive?
The vaccination cannot treat or clear an existing HPV infection. It can, however, protect against new infections with other HPV types contained in the vaccine. After treatment of HPV-related cell changes, it can also reduce the risk of recurrence.
Should my son be vaccinated too?
Yes. HPV vaccination is recommended equally for girls and boys. Boys and men benefit from protection against genital warts and against various HPV-related cancers.
Do I still need cervical screening after vaccination?
Yes. The vaccination protects against the most important high-risk HPV types, but not all of them. Regular screening with a Pap smear or HPV test therefore remains important for vaccinated women too.
From 1989 to 2023 at the University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Vienna General Hospital (AKH Wien), senior consultant from 1994; founder and long-standing head of the ZEM outpatient clinic for cysts, endometriosis and fibroids.
If you would like advice on HPV vaccination or would like to be vaccinated, call us on +43 1 317 660 0 or write to ordination@prof-obwegeser.at. Appointments are arranged in advance by telephone. My practice is at Hörlgasse 14, Top 11, 1090 Wien. Please note: the entrance is at Liechtensteinstraße 8.