New Taipei City Offers Free HPV Vaccinations to Junior High Students

New Taipei City is launching a public health initiative to provide free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to all eligible eighth-grade students. The program offers two doses of the vaccine at no cost, a move expected to save families between NT$6,000 and NT$14,000.

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HPV vaccine is currently one of the most effective methods for preventing various cancers and is the most valuable health gift for children.

The initiative targets students entering the 113th academic year, specifically those born between September 2, 2011, and September 1, 2012, who have yet to receive their first HPV vaccine. Health officials emphasize the importance of timely vaccination to bolster protection.

According to the Health Bureau, HPV infections pose risks for both men and women, contributing not only to cervical cancer but also to other malignancies such as head and neck, oropharyngeal, anal, and external genital cancers. As there are no specific treatments to eliminate HPV infections, vaccination is presented as the most effective and cost-efficient preventive measure.

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The WHO recommends vaccination before exposure to the virus for optimal protection, especially for adolescents aged 9 to 14 who only need two doses to build good immunity.

HB Director Chen Chun-chiu highlighted that the HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing various cancers and represents a valuable health gift for children. The World Health Organization recommends vaccination before exposure to the virus for optimal protection, noting that adolescents aged 9 to 14 require only two doses for robust immunity. Studies indicate that complete HPV vaccination can effectively prevent over 70% of cervical cancer cases and reduce the risk of other HPV-related diseases.

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HPV vaccine is not only an important weapon for women to prevent cervical cancer but also an important defense line for men to prevent related cancers.