HPV
HPV 疫苗（人類乳頭瘤病毒疫苗）
The cancer-prevention vaccine. Best given before sexual activity, but useful well into adulthood.
Gardasil 9
Human papillomavirus is the virus behind nearly all cervical cancer, plus a substantial share of anal, oropharyngeal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers.
The 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against 9 HPV types, including types 16 and 18 (which account for the bulk of HPV-related cancers) and types 6 and 11 (which cause genital warts).
Best given before any HPV exposure, which is why HK vaccinates adolescents. But most adults have not been exposed to all 9 types and can still benefit.
The HK Childhood Immunisation Programme provides 9-valent HPV vaccine free to Primary 5 and Primary 6 girls in local schools.
- Primary 5 girls: first dose at school
- Primary 6 girls: second dose at school the following year
For boys, adolescent males, and adults outside the school programme: HPV vaccination is available privately.
US CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination for all children at age 11-12, gender-neutral, with catch-up to age 26 and shared decision-making for adults 27-45.
Under 15 years old at first dose: 2 doses, 6-12 months apart.
15 years and older at first dose, or immunocompromised: 3 doses at 0, 2, and 6 months.
The HK school programme uses the 2-dose schedule (P5 → P6).
| Brand | Manufacturer | HK Reg No. |
|---|---|---|
| Gardasil 9 · 9-valent recombinant HPV vaccine | MSD (Merck) |
Common: sore arm, redness or swelling, mild fever, headache, fatigue, nausea. Lasts 1-2 days.
Fainting after injection is more common in adolescents — clinics have you sit for 15 minutes after the shot.
Myth: It's only for girls.
Reality: HPV causes cancer in men too — anal, oropharyngeal, and penile cancers. Most international guidelines recommend gender-neutral vaccination.
Myth: It's too late for me.
Reality: If you're under 26 and unvaccinated, you should still consider it. Even between 27-45, vaccination can offer benefit if you haven't been exposed to all 9 HPV types.
- Primary 5-6 girls in local schools: automatic via School Immunisation Teams
- Eligible post-secondary female students: DH catch-up programme
- Boys, adults, anyone outside the programme: see your GP or a private clinic
- HK CHP — HPV Vaccination Programme · HK Centre for Health Protection (HK)
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