Starting on the 6th, free HPV vaccination is also available to 12-year-old male adolescents. Provided by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

Starting on the 6th, 12-year-old male adolescents (born in 2014) can receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine free of charge at nearby medical institutions or public health centers.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced that it will expand the national HPV immunization program, previously focused on female adolescents, to include male adolescents.

HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and can cause certain cancers, including cervical cancer, anal cancer·oropharyngeal cancer, as well as genital warts. The HPV vaccine blocks major virus types that cause infection in advance, helping prevent progression to cancer or related diseases later on. The HPV vaccine is administered in 147 countries worldwide, including 37 of the 38 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries.

Eligible individuals can visit a nearby contracted medical institution or public health center to receive the HPV vaccine (HPV quadrivalent). Those aged 12 should receive a total of two doses according to the standard schedule. On the Immunization Helper website, you can search for participating providers, check vaccination records, and access electronic civil services.

Im Seung-kwan, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated that “This start of vaccination will help protect the health of men and reduce the burden of HPV diseases in our society” and urged, “Guardians of male adolescents born in 2014, please visit a nearby contracted medical institution or public health center and actively participate in vaccination”.