The Department of Health (DH) is set to launch a one-off catch-up program (first phase) for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination on Dec. 2. Speaking on a radio program today (Nov. 7), Professor Lau Yu-lung, Chairman of the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases, stated that boys will not be included in the program at this time.
The catch-up program is intended for girls born between 2004 and 2008, with the first phase focusing on girls aged 18 or younger. The second and third phases will extend the program to women who are currently in school or already employed.
Lau noted that the vaccination rate among primary six schoolgirls in Hong Kong, who have completed the two-dose HPV vaccine series, has already exceeded 90%. From a public health and resource allocation standpoint, there is currently insufficient justification to include boys in the program.
He also emphasized that the situation would continue to be monitored, and he believes boys will eventually be included in the vaccination program.
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