Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, said on the 4th that starting on the 6th it will expand the national HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination program to include 12-year-old male adolescents.
The HPV vaccine helps prevent various diseases, including cervical cancer. As HPV became known as the main cause of cervical cancer, it was recognized in Korea as the cervical cancer vaccine, but it can also cause cancer in men. As a result, vaccination for men is being emphasized to prevent infection and curb the spread of the virus.
To boost preventive effectiveness and infectious disease response for both males and females, Yongin expanded national support for HPV vaccination—previously focused on female adolescents—to include male adolescents. The eligible group is 12-year-old boys born between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2014. Those eligible can receive two doses of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine free of charge at a six-month interval.
Vaccinations are available at nearby medical institutions designated for national immunization. Text message notices will be sent to eligible recipients in sequence.