Hong Kong Launches Free Cervical Cancer Vaccine Catch-Up Program for Young Women
In a pivotal move to combat cervical cancer, Hong Kong’s government has launched a free HPV vaccine catch-up program targeting young women. The program will run in three phases over two years and aims to provide full vaccination coverage for female residents born between 2004 and 2008 who have yet to receive the vaccine.
This initiative, driven by recommendations from the Scientific Committee on Disease Prevention, will utilize the nine-valent HPV vaccine, offering protection against seven high-risk HPV types responsible for approximately 90% of cervical cancer cases in Hong Kong.
Here’s a breakdown of the program’s key elements:
Targeted Cohorts:
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Phase 1 (Starting December 2nd, 2024): Full-time female students in Form 5 or above (equivalent to 11th grade and higher) will be eligible for vaccination directly at their schools through outreach teams.
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Phase 2 (Estimated First Quarter of 2025): Hong Kong female residents born between 2004 and 2008 who are currently pursuing tertiary education (university or college) will be targeted. Specific details about implementation will be shared closer to the launch date.
- Phase 3 (Estimated First Half of 2025): Female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who have completed their local studies will be eligible. Details regarding this phase will be provided later.
Dosage:
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Women who have already received one dose of the HPV vaccine will receive a second dose free of charge to complete the two-dose regimen.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems will receive a three-dose vaccination plan, administered at designated vaccination centers.
Eligibility and Registration:
All eligible individuals must be registered with Hong Kong’s "e-Health" program and can utilize the associated app to verify vaccination records and access further information.
Why is this program vital?
HPV infection is a leading cause of cervical cancer. This free vaccine program offers critical protection against high-risk HPV types, minimizing the risk of not only cervical cancer but also other HPV-related cancers and diseases.
This initiative builds upon the success of Hong Kong’s childhood HPV vaccination program, launched in 2019, which has achieved a high vaccination rate among primary school girls.
Additional Information:
For detailed information about the program, eligible individuals can contact the Project Management and Immunization Planning Branch of the Department of Health at 2125 2125 or email them at [email protected] Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Sources:
- Center for Health Protection, Hong Kong: https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/
This comprehensive program, focusing on young women who may have missed their initial childhood vaccination opportunity, underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to public health and its proactive approach to preventing preventable cancers.
2024-12-02 05:13:00
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