New Israeli Pilot Program Brings HPV Vaccination Directly to At-Risk Women

In Israel, only about 60% of women receive the free HPV vaccine that protects against most cervical cancer cases, leaving 40% still vulnerable to the virus. To address this gap, a new pilot project recently launched in Jerusalem targets women facing healthcare access barriers, including those exiting the ultra-Orthodox community and women involved in sex work. The initiative involves medical teams providing education on sexual health and HPV, dispelling myths, answering questions, and offering on-site vaccination during the same visit.

The first pilot took place in June at "Yehuda's Yard," a social center for young women leaving the ultra-Orthodox community, with around 40 participants. Dr. Zal, a project leader, noted that many women from this background lack exposure to sexual health information due to cultural taboos and limited school education, which contributes to lower vaccination rates despite the vaccine being free up to age 26.

The project, supported by the Bri'ah Fund for women's health initiatives, aims to expand to other vulnerable groups and eventually include self-administered Pap tests for women over 25 and HPV vaccination for men. Dr. Zal emphasized the importance of accessible, stigma-free healthcare encounters, stating that removing logistical barriers significantly increases vaccination uptake. She also highlighted that sexual education does not encourage early sexual activity but empowers informed health decisions.

This model combines education, trust-building, and immediate vaccination access, allowing women to protect their future health without the usual hurdles of scheduling appointments or navigating healthcare systems. The program's success suggests that the main obstacle to higher vaccination rates is accessibility rather than willingness to vaccinate.