HPV Vaccine in Hong Kong: How Common is HPV Infection?

In Hong Kong, the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) prevalence is between 7-11%. HPV is a sexually-transmitted virus and can cause premalignant changes and malignant cancers of cervix, vagina, vulva and anus, among which cervical cancer was even the 8th leading cause of Hong Kong female cancer deaths in 2019.

Over the past few years, HPV vaccination has become more common in Hong Kong under the promotion of the government. Starting from September 2019, the Hong Kong Department of Health had included HPV vaccine under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP), providing free HPV vaccines to eligible female primary school students.

​Are you unfamiliar with HPV infection and vaccines? Do you want to find out more? Our team at Alea has done all the research for you to bring you this practical guide on the HPV vaccine.

What is the HPV vaccine?

According to the Centre for Health Protection, an HPV vaccine is a prophylactic vaccine to prevent cervical cancer as well as other HPV-related cancers or diseases. In Hong Kong, Gardasil, Gardasil 9 and Cervarix are the three kinds of prophylactic vaccines currently available. The difference in usage of Gardasil and Cervarix are stated below:

Gardasil (4-valent vaccine):

• HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 are targeted
• Registered for use in females and males aged 9 or above
• 2-dose or 3-dose schedule
• 2 doses are to be administered in a 6-12 months interval
• 3 doses are to be administered at 0, 2, 6 months

Gardasil (9-valent vaccine):

• HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 are targeted.
• Registered for use in females and males aged 9 or above
• 2-dose or 3-dose schedule
• 2 doses are to be administered in a 6-12 months interval
• 3 doses are to be administered at 0, 2, 6 months

Cervarix (bivalent vaccine):

• HPV types 16 and 18 are targeted.
• Registered for use in females aged 9 or above
• 3 doses are to be administered at 0, 1, 6 months

The HPV vaccine is effective to ward off 90% of cervical cancer cases, it is generally safe and has been used worldwide for many years. Seek advice from your doctor if you have any concerns over vaccination.

Why is getting an HPV shot that important?

You can protect yourself as well as your sex partners by receiving HPV vaccine.

#Reason 1

Studies show more than 80% of people will get an HPV infection by the age of 45. HPV infection is prevalent among those who are sexually active but unvaccinated, most of them will get HPV at some time in their life. About 20 million in the U.S. are infected with HPV each year. Most HPV infections will go away on their own. However, in some cases, infections do not go away and may lead to more severe health risks.

HPV can cause different cancers, such as cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, penile cancer, anal cancer and oropharyngeal cancer.

#Reason 2

Preventing cancer is always better than treating it. Out of the several types of cancer associated with HPV infection, only cervical cancer in women can be detected early by a screening test, while the others may not be detected until they become more serious.

For men, no existing tests can diagnose penile and anal cancers. HPV vaccination prevents infections that cause these cancers.

#Reason 3

HPV vaccination provides safe, effective and long-lasting protection, developed based on current scientific evidence. It can protect against infections of the specific HPV types targeted by the vaccines.

Studies found that protection of the vaccine against HPV remains high even 10 years after vaccination, with no evidence of decreasing over time.

Options and costs in Hong Kong

HPV vaccines in the public sector

The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK) provides HPV vaccination (9-in-1), charged at HK$1,800 per dose (three doses are needed to be fully vaccinated). In October 2016, the government started a free cervical cancer vaccination pilot scheme for teenage girls from eligible, low-income families. In collaboration with FPAHK, girls eligible for the vaccine must be

• aged 9 to 18 and receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA); or
• aged over 9 and receiving full grant under the School Textbook Assistance (TA) Scheme.

For others, check out https://www.famplan.org.hk for more information on HPV vaccination in public clinics.

HPV vaccines in the private sector

In general, HPV vaccine costs in most private hospitals and clinics fall in the range of HK$1,070 to HK$2,900, mostly subject to the type of HPV vaccine. Some private hospitals and clinics provide full-time student offers.

We have summed up some private options for your reference below:

*All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in December 2021. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.

Does health insurance cover HPV vaccines in Hong Kong?

HPV vaccines are covered under vaccination benefits under outpatient benefits. Vaccination benefits generally cover any medically approved vaccinations, whether it is for illness, preventative reasons (i.e. flu) or traveling. It is important to note that not all medical coverage has a vaccination benefit. If you have any medical insurance questions, contact Alea’s health insurance experts at hello@alea.care.

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