"Don't Miss Out, Get Vaccinated"... Mapo-gu Offers Free HPV Vaccination

Free Vaccination for Female Adolescents Born 2006-2012 and Low-Income Women Born 1997-2005
Number of Doses Varies by Age...Check Vaccination Period Before Visiting Designated Institutions

Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Gang-su) announced that it will provide free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, which are highly effective in preventing cervical cancer, to female adolescents and low-income women in the area.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes warts on the skin and mucous membranes and can be transmitted through sexual contact. The virus can also spread through skin contact or by touching warts on the skin.

If infected with the HPV virus, cervical cancer, anal genital warts, and respiratory papillomatosis lesions may occur. Since the virus accounts for 70% of cervical cancer cases and 90% of genital warts cases, vaccination is essential.

The free HPV vaccination targets female adolescents born between 2006 and 2012 and low-income women (basic livelihood security recipients and near-poverty class) born between 1997 and 2005. Female adolescents born in 2006 and low-income women born in 1997, who are the last eligible groups this year, can receive free vaccinations until December.

The vaccines available are HPV2 and HPV4. If the first dose is administered before the age of 15, a total of two doses are required; if administered after turning 15, three doses are necessary.

A representative from the Mapo-gu Sunlight Center said, “The HPV vaccine is administered in 110 countries worldwide and is effective in preventing cervical cancer and other diseases. If it has been difficult to get vaccinated due to school or other reasons, we encourage you to take advantage of the winter vacation to get the HPV vaccination.”

Vaccinations are available at designated medical institutions nationwide, and there are 67 medical institutions in Mapo-gu where vaccinations can be administered. The designated medical institutions can be checked on the Vaccination Helper website.

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “We hope all eligible individuals participate in the vaccination to protect their health. Mapo-gu will continue to provide various health care services to prevent diseases and promote the health of its residents.”