Croatia plans to introduce a mandatory vaccine against the human papilloma virus (HPV), with the aim of ensuring greater protection for the population from diseases caused by this virus. Currently, the HPV vaccine in Croatia is available but administered only on a voluntary basis. The Ministry of Health has announced that key changes to the legislative framework will take place in the near future, specifically in 2027.
A key step in this process is the preparation of amendments to the Act on the Protection from Infectious Diseases. These amendments aim to create a solid legal basis that will allow the HPV vaccine to be included in the mandatory vaccination programme. This is intended to ensure higher population coverage, which is crucial for effectively preventing the spread of infections and associated health risks. The Ministry emphasises that this measure will be implemented in line with European standards and recommendations.
This change comes in the context of a wider European trend towards strengthening preventive healthcare. The European Union has set a target that by 2030, at least 90 per cent of girls should be vaccinated. In Croatia, given the current free but voluntary vaccination, a higher level of protection is sought by introducing a mandatory character to this measure. A similar approach, where mandatory vaccination is introduced for a specific age group, is also being implemented in neighbouring Poland, where the introduction of a two-dose vaccine for children is planned.
