DH to launch final phase of HPV Vaccination Catch-up Programme on June 26
*************************************************************************
The Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui said, "In Hong Kong, cervical cancer was the ninth most common cancer among women in 2022, with 522 new cases and 167 deaths. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the high-risk types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer. Following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the DH launched the first phase of Programme in December last year to provide free vaccination for female full-time students studying in Secondary Five or above (including secondary sections of special schools). As of June 8, the coverage rate for the first dose of the HPV vaccine in the first phase of the Programme has exceeded 80 per cent. The second phase has begun in mid-March this year, offering free HPV vaccination to female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who are currently studying at local post-secondary institutions. All post-secondary institutions have participated."
Under the final phase of the Programme, all female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who are not currently studying and have not completed their HPV vaccination only need to register with eHealth first, after which they can make an appointment through the website or telephone number of the WWS under the PHCC of the HHB for free vaccination at the WWS and its service points, or designated District Health Centre (DHC)/Express (E). Appointments can be made starting today by calling the WWS at 2855 1333 or through its website (www.wws.org.hk/vaccine) to receive free HPV vaccine at the WWS and its service points, or designated DHC/E. In addition, eligible female students who were unable to participate in the school vaccination activities during the first two phases can also arrange appointments through the WWS as mentioned above.
Moreover, eligible female secondary students studying Secondary Five or above who missed their vaccination at school can also call the School Immunisation Teams' sub-offices and Student Health Service Centres of the DH to make appointments for free HPV vaccination. On the other hand, eligible female students in post-secondary institutions can refer to the CHP's website for the schedules of catch-up activities of the institutions.
Dr Tsui emphasised that this Programme is a one-off special arrangement, and reminded eligible female Hong Kong residents that the Programme will enter its final phase and will cease by the end of next year. The public should seize this opportunity to receive the vaccine for free to prevent cervical cancer early. Eligible female Hong Kong residents who do not participate in the Programme may need to pay for vaccination themselves in the future.
Members of the public who wish to obtain more information about the Programme, including the addresses of the vaccination points, can visit the thematic webpage of the CHP.
Ends/Monday, June 23, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:55
Issued at HKT 17:55
NNNN