• chaitae3@lemmy.world
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    14 hours ago

    At least in Germany, insurance generally only covers the vaccines recommended by a federal expert group of physicians and statisticians called the Stiko, standing committee on vaccination, who tend to be conservative in their recommendations. The HPV vaccine is only recommended for under 18 year olds and it can be difficult to find a physician who will go against the recommendation for liability reasons.

    • Pyrodexter@lemmy.world
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      9 hours ago

      Wait, what? Difficult to find a physician who will give you an HPV vaccine even if you pay for it?

      I find that hard to believe. I’d imagine the STIKO recommendations are the German implementation of a national vaccination schedule. That wouldn’t mean they’re in any way against other vaccines, just that those are not deemed vital for population safety.

      But I’m just guessing here. Difficulties in getting required vaccines seems completely insane.

      • Bluescluestoothpaste@sh.itjust.works
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        8 hours ago

        If you’re over 18 you most likely already have been exposed to HPV so a vaccine is pointless. Not a doctor might be wrong, but that’s the rationale behind only giving it to minors.

        • Pyrodexter@lemmy.world
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          8 hours ago

          I can understand that rationale, but that just makes it less useful for adults (at least probabilistically). That doesn’t mean adults should be prevented from getting one, just be advised that they likely already have the immunity.