Florian Boschek

“Free Shots: Revisiting the International HPV Day” takes a look into the organization, conceptualization and planning of the International HPV Awareness Day 2024 (IHAD) by the Austrian NGO „HPV-Impfung jetzt!" and how it can be improved for future editions. HPV is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases – about 80% of the sexually active population comes into contact with HPV at least once and accounts for a multiple array of illnesses such as different occurrences of cancer. The IHAD is used to raise public awareness, reflect on the current incidence and vaccination rates and if possible, take action against the disease. On the IHAD 2024, a total of 27.000 accounts were reached online, over 300 students were vaccinated against HPV and an extension of the existing HPV vaccination program has been announced. The project is a transdisciplinary guide and reference point with learnings and best practices for future organizers and patient organizations.