TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) announced on Tuesday (May 7) that Taipei City will expand the free HPV vaccine program to include male junior high school students.

Chiang said the inclusion of teenage boys in the free vaccination program is based on health research that finds cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) equally affect men and women. The free vaccination program will be available beginning September 1, 2024, per BCC.

Chiang said about 10,000 junior high school boys will participate, with the estimated vaccination rate reaching 70%. Medical research showed the chance of being infected by HPV in a person's lifetime is as high as 80%, regardless of gender.

The HPV vaccine is often referred to as a “cervical cancer vaccine,” as continued infection with HPV can lead to cervical and vaginal cancer in women. However, men can also develop cancer through repeated HPV infection in areas such as the head, neck, and anus. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended 90% of women receive HPV vaccination before age 15. WHO also called for the inclusion of teenage boys in national vaccination programs.

Doctors noted it may be easier for women to spot HPV infection through early detection, such as cervical smear examinations. For men, HPV may be more difficult to detect without routine exams. Medical experts agreed that the best way to prevent infection is through an HPV vaccine.