Jeollanam-do Expands Free HPV Vaccinations to Include 12-Year-Old Male Adolescents

From Female-Focused to Inclusive Support

Two Doses of Quadrivalent Vaccine Provided... Safety Recognized

Jeollanam-do is concentrating its administrative resources to proactively prevent the spread of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. The province is particularly intensifying efforts to manage infections among adolescents.

Starting May 6, Jeollanam-do expanded the national HPV vaccination support program to include male adolescents born in 2014.

This expansion broadens the eligibility from the previous groups—female adolescents aged 12 to 17 and low-income women aged 18 to 26—to now include 12-year-old male adolescents. The aim is to prevent HPV infections and reduce the burden of related diseases.

Jeonnam Provincial Government Building Panorama

Human papillomavirus is a virus that can cause various cancers and diseases, such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and genital warts. Vaccination is important for everyone, regardless of gender. Since vaccination before infection is most effective, it is especially recommended during adolescence, before potential exposure to the virus.

The effectiveness and safety of the vaccine are internationally recognized.

Male adolescents born in 2014 are eligible to receive two free doses of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, administered six months apart.

The vaccine can be received at local public health centers or designated medical institutions, and eligible clinics can be checked on the Immunization Helper website.

Jeong Gwangseon, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeollanam-do, stated, "HPV vaccination is an effective preventive measure to reduce viral infections and related diseases, regardless of gender. Now that the national vaccination support extends to 12-year-old male adolescents, I encourage parents to pay attention and ensure that their children complete the vaccination on time."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.