2022-08-25
Background
Starting from the 2019/20 school year, eligible female primary school students are provided with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP). The arrangement is implemented on the recommendations jointly made by
the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) and the Scientific Committee on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (SCAS) under the CHP to incorporate HPV vaccine into the HKCIP.
School Immunisation Teams (SIT) of the Department of Health (DH) visit schools to provide the first dose of 9-valent HPV vaccine to Primary Five female students and the second dose to the girls when they reach Primary Six in the following school year
free of charge. Eligible Primary school girls who do not study in Hong Kong can receive HPV vaccine at offices of SIT by appointment. To verify their eligibility, these students must provide appropriate identification documents (e.g. birth certificate or Hong Kong identity card) and relevant documents, including a letter issued by their school, proving they are studying in Primary Five or Six (or equivalent grade) in non-local school. To make an appointment or should you have further enquiries, please contact SIT during office hours at 2615 8580. Alternatively, parents may arrange HPV vaccination for their children at private doctors (in general, the cost required is around HKD 3000-7000 for a complete series).
For details, please refer to the
press release issued by the DH on 11 Oct 2018.
What is HPV?
HPV is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 150 genotypes. Around 40 of these viruses infect the genital area of men and women. HPV can cause premalignant changes and malignant cancers of cervix, vagina, vulva and anus.
What is HPV vaccine?
HPV vaccine is a prophylactic vaccine to prevent cervical cancer as well as other HPV-related cancers or diseases. In Hong Kong, HPV-16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 accounted for about 90% of cases of cervical cancer. All the above seven genotypes are included in the 9-valent HPV vaccine.
How to receive HPV vaccination?
Parents of Primary Five or Six female students would receive more information on HPV and consent form for the vaccine. If you have further enquiries, please contact SIT at 2615 8577 at office hour.
Know More About HPV Vaccine
What are the possible side effects of HPV vaccines?
HPV vaccines are generally safe. Most students do not have serious reactions after receiving HPV vaccination. Common side effects are similar to those from other vaccinations, such as:
- Mild and short-lasting side effects, including headache, dizziness, nausea and fatigue.
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site.
Is there any safety concern with HPV vaccine?
HPV vaccines have been used worldwide for many years. After extensive examinations of scientific evidence and information on adverse reactions following HPV vaccination, the World Health Organization and overseas health authorities have concluded that HPV vaccines are safe and effective, and there is no evidence that HPV vaccination will cause serious side effects. DH will closely monitor the report of adverse events after immunisation following the implementation of the programme.
Why is HPV vaccine given at such a young age? Would receiving the vaccine encourage premature sex?
HPV vaccines work best for women who have never been exposed to HPV infection and are therefore recommended for girls of suitable ages before sexual debut. Research has shown that getting the HPV vaccine does not make children more likely to be sexually active or start having sex at a younger age.
Leaflet about HPV vaccination
Information for Ethnic Minorities
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If your school does not participate in the HPV vaccination programme, parents of eligible primary school girls may contact SIT during office hours at 2615 8577 for further enquiries.