HPV, but make it queer: why Gardasil 9 matters now

A new discussion around Gardasil 9 is putting the HPV vaccine back in the spotlight, with French media reporting that reimbursement could soon be extended to young adults up to the age of 30. In practice, that would broaden access to a vaccine that already plays a crucial role in preventing several HPV-related cancers and infections.

For queer communities, this is more than a technical health update. HPV does not only concern heterosexual women or teenage boys: it affects people across genders and sexual orientations, and vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce long-term risk. The Belgian federal health information page on HPV also stresses that vaccination is most effective before exposure and that Gardasil 9 is available in Belgium.

What Gardasil 9 protects against

Gardasil 9 protects against several HPV types linked to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus, as well as other HPV-related diseases. Public health sources also note that the vaccine is used as part of routine immunisation strategies, with a clear benefit when it is administered early.

In France, the vaccine is already described as reimbursed for young people up to 26, while the latest media coverage suggests a possible extension to 30 years old is being considered or announced. That potential change would matter a lot for people who were not vaccinated in adolescence and are now still within the age range where the vaccine can provide meaningful protection.

Why queer readers should pay attention

HPV prevention is particularly relevant in queer health conversations because the virus can affect anyone who is sexually active, including gay and bi men, trans people and non-binary people. Some health guidance specifically notes that vaccination is recommended regardless of sexual orientation, which is important in a community where access to care is often uneven and stigma can delay prevention.

That matters in Brussels too, where queer audiences often navigate health care across different systems, languages and levels of access. Making HPV vaccination easier to reach is not just about individual protection; it is also about reducing preventable inequality in community health.

How the schedule works

Health sources indicate that Gardasil 9 is generally given in two doses for younger adolescents and three doses for catch-up vaccination in older teens and young adults. The exact schedule depends on age and local recommendations, so anyone considering the vaccine should check with a doctor, pharmacist or vaccination centre for the correct protocol.

Belgian public health guidance also underlines that the vaccine is available in Belgium, and that the most effective time to vaccinate is before sexual activity begins. Even so, catch-up vaccination remains a valuable option for young adults who missed the earlier schedule.

Useful links

For the original report on the possible reimbursement extension, read RTBF’s article. For general HPV prevention in Belgium, see the federal health information page and the page from Les HPV.

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