University of Zurich Study Identifies Sharp Decline in HPV Vaccine Uptake Among Swiss Adults Aged 27 to 45

University of Zurich research shows HPV vaccine uptake falls to 16% for Swiss adults over 26, citing a lack of doctor recommendations as a key barrier.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 8:56 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from University of Zurich

Mapping the Generational Gap in Viral Protection

While Switzerland has maintained a robust HPV vaccination program for adolescents since 2007, a new study published in JAMA Network Open highlights a stark divide in adult immunization. Data from the University of Zurich indicates that among adults aged 18 to 45, the overall vaccination rate sits at approximately 27%. However, when segmented by age, a clear drop-off occurs; nearly 59% of individuals aged 18 to 26 have received at least one dose, compared to a meager 16% for those in the 27 to 45 age bracket. This trend suggests that catch-up vaccination programs for older adults are failing to reach their target populations effectively.

The Legacy of Gender-Specific Medical Recommendations

Gender remains a defining factor in Swiss vaccination behavior, reflecting the historical context of the vaccine's introduction. Currently, 43% of women in the surveyed group are vaccinated, while only 12% of men have received the shot. Senior researcher Kyra Zens attributes this imbalance to the fact that the vaccine was initially recommended exclusively for adolescent girls, with male recommendations not following until 2015. This eight-year gap created a persistent perception of HPV as a "women's health issue," despite the virus being the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and a known cause of various cancers in all genders.

Knowledge Profiles as Predictors of Vaccination Behavior

The researchers categorized the Swiss adult population into three distinct profiles based on their understanding of HPV. In the "well-informed" group, the vaccination rate is approximately 41%. This figure plummets to 14% among those with moderate knowledge and reaches a low of 8% for individuals with limited understanding. These findings underscore a direct correlation between health literacy and preventative action. For many in the lower-knowledge groups, uncertainty regarding the benefits of the vaccine and the actual risks of the virus act as the primary deterrents to seeking immunization.