HPV 백신, 약 10년만에 12세 남아로 확대…”HPV는 남녀 모두 감염되는 바이러스” – MEDI:GATE NEWS

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has announced an expansion of the National Immunization Program (NIP) to provide free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to 12-year-old male adolescents. This policy change, which takes effect on May 6, 2026, marks a shift toward a gender-inclusive approach to preventing HPV-related diseases.

The expanded support specifically targets male adolescents born in 2014. By including boys in the national program, which previously focused primarily on female adolescents, the government aims to strengthen the overall prevention of infections and reduce the healthcare burden associated with HPV for both genders.

According to reporting from MEDI:GATE NEWS, the KDCA stated on April 16, 2026, that HPV can infect both men and women. Because the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing related diseases has been confirmed in males, the government expects that widespread vaccination will decrease future infection rates and the incidence of associated conditions.

The decision to expand the program follows recommendations from the HPV Vaccination Expert Committee. The committee noted that the vaccine is effective in preventing several health issues in men, including anal cancer and genital warts.

The committee’s recommendation was based on an analysis of domestic and international research, as well as existing vaccination data, which confirmed the safety and efficacy of the vaccine for male adolescents.

The KDCA highlighted that HPV vaccination is a globally recognized public health measure. The agency noted that the vaccine’s safety and efficacy are acknowledged worldwide, with national immunization programs already implemented in 147 countries, including 37 of the 38 member nations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Eligible participants can receive the 4-valent HPV vaccine free of charge. The vaccinations will be administered at local public health centers or designated contracted medical institutions.

Public health officials anticipate that providing the vaccine to both males and females will contribute to a broader reduction in the societal burden of HPV-related illnesses, moving beyond the previous focus on cervical cancer prevention in women to a more comprehensive population-health strategy.