In 2022, the WHO suggested to provide HPV catch-up vaccination to girls aged between 9 and 18.

Having reviewed scientific evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of the HPV vaccine, recommendations from the World Health Organization and overseas experiences, as well as local studies on acceptability and cost-effectiveness in respect of HPV vaccination, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the CHP also agreed in 2022 to expand the target group of HPV vaccination to older girls aged 18 or below.

To gradually boost the herd immunity of the community against high-risk HPV infection to prevent cervical cancer, the Government now plans to implement a one-off HPV vaccination programme to provide catch-up vaccination to eligible female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 and have not been covered by the HKCIP.

Each of eligible female can receive two doses of vaccination for free, while immunocompromised person have to receive three doses (free of charge) of vaccination.

The programme will be implemented in three phases and the first phase will be started in December 2024.

Our very own, Katharina Reimer, was interviewed by Radio 3 RTHK on November 11, 2024 to comment on the vaccination drive and what more needs to be done to reduce the incidence rate of cervical cancer and HPV related diseases.

https://www.rthk.hk/radio/radio3/programme/backchat/episode/987064/contentindex/2