TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei plans to broaden its free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination initiative starting on Sept. 1 to include junior high school boys registered or studying in the city, marking a first among Taiwan's six major municipalities.
Since the HPV vaccine's 2006 introduction, 126 countries have adopted free vaccinations for girls aged 9 to 14 by 2022. In Taiwan, first-year junior high school girls are entitled to free vaccinations, and last year, Chiayi City pioneered offering the vaccine to junior high school boys.
On May 7, the Department of Health, Taipei City Government, announced this policy expansion. The department plans to establish campus vaccination stations in partnership with the Department of Education and local junior high schools. Taipei City Hospital and affiliated medical institutions will staff these stations, providing vaccinations to both boys and girls during school hours.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an noted that an additional NT$16 million has been allocated for the program, aiming to cover 10,000 junior high school boys. The city projects a vaccination rate of 70% and intends to boost awareness through school tours and medical lectures.
The World Health Organization urges vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15 and recommends including boys in these programs where feasible. Research shows a lifetime HPV infection risk near 80% for both sexes, potentially leading to various cancers.
Lou Pei-jen, vice superintendent of National Taiwan University Hospital, emphasized the efficacy of adolescent vaccinations in preventing HPV infections. Since May, the Department of Health has been hosting educational courses on vaccination benefits and safety to enhance students' health literacy and vaccination willingness.