In France, human papillomavirus, or HPV, affects 8 out of 10 people at least once in their lives, men and women combined. In approximately 10% of cases, the infection persists and can progress to precancerous lesions. These viruses are the cause of 7,130 new cases of cancer each year.
Prevention of HPV-related cancers is based on vaccination and cervical cancer screening by smear. In May 2025, the High Authority for Health extended vaccination to all young people up to the age of 26. Since December 12, 2025, the Gardasil 9 vaccine has been reimbursed at 65% by Health Insurance for all these people, girls or boys.
HPV and cancers: why young adults are at the forefront
In most cases, human papillomaviruses are eliminated by the immune system. However, in approximately 10% of cases, the infection persists and can progress to precancerous lesions, although immune clearance remains possible.
HPV not only causes cancers of the cervix, but also cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina and aerodigestive tract. “It is important to remember that a third of cancers caused by HPV infections affect men.“, explains Professor Doctor Christophe Hommel, emporiatrist (specialist in travel medicine) and head of the international vaccination center at Strasbourg University Hospital. Vaccination therefore concerns both boys and girls.
Faced with this unpredictable virus which can evolve discreetly, information is essential. However, young adults are often misinformed about papillomaviruses. A recent survey carried out by Ipsos8 for MSD reveals that although 80% of 18 to 26 year olds have already heard of HPV, only 30% consider themselves well informed about it. In addition, only a third of those surveyed feel concerned about the risk of infection with papillomavirus, although they are at the age when the risk of infection is highest.
Among the reasons given, 32% mention the use of protection during sexual intercourse and 26% the fact of having a single partner. These reasons show a lack of understanding of the mode of transmission of HPV: the condom only offers partial protection and a single partner can be enough to be contaminated. Indeed, all sexual practices can be sources of contamination, because genital HPV can be found on unprotected mucous membranes (vulva, perineum, scrotum, anal region).
Among 18-26 year olds, the risk linked to HPV often remains abstract. Dr. Christophe Hommel reminds us: “Many young people remain poorly informed about the risks associated with HPV, unaware that these infections can cause serious cancers in both men and women. This lack of knowledge hinders vaccination, which is essential to prevent these diseases. There is an urgent need to intensify education among young people.”
HPV vaccine reimbursed up to age 26: what really changes
Although vaccination coverage has increased, in particular thanks to a school vaccination campaign, it remains insufficient: in 2024, only 48% of girls and 24.5% of boys aged 16 have completed the two-dose vaccination schedule. This figure is well below the national target of 80% by 2030 for adolescents and the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 90% for girls aged 15. The majority of sexually active people do not have active HPV infection (negative PCR test) and can therefore benefit fully from vaccination. However, a large number of them, estimated at 3.6 million young adults aged 20 to 26, did not have the opportunity to be vaccinated during their adolescence.
To make up for this delay in information and protection, HAS recommended May 13, 2025 catch-up vaccination for all women and men up to the age of 26 who did not receive the vaccine between the ages of 11 and 14. Previously, catch-up care mostly stopped at age 19 and only concerned certain men who have sex with men up to age 26.
December 12, 2025 marks a key milestone: Gardasil 9 is now reimbursed at 65% by Health Insurance for all 11-26 year olds falling into this scheme, the rest often being covered by mutual insurance. The HAS emphasizes that protection is “optimal” when the vaccine is administered early and indicates that “three-quarters of young adults up to age 26 have not yet been exposed to HPM infections but are at high risk of acquiring and transmitting them“.
Vaccination and screening: the duo to avoid preventable cancers
HPV vaccination is done by the doctor, midwife, nurse or pharmacist. Between 11 and 14 years old, the schedule provides for 2 doses spaced 5 to 13 months apart; between 15 and 26 years, catch-up is based on 3 doses at 0, 2 and 6 months. Screening for cervical cancer, by smear or HPV test in women aged 25 to 65, remains essential even after vaccination.