HPV Vaccine in Hong Kong

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a global burden and still ranked 7th in Hong Kong. There was a slow increase in trend in past years and primary prevention is better than secondary prevention. HPV being an essential causative infection in cervical cancer, preventing its infection can prevent cervical cancer. The current 3 commercial HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing specific HPV infection. Their effectiveness and safety shown in randomized control studies also included data from Hong Kong. Post marketing surveillance and recommendation from WHO confirmed that these vaccines are safe despite some adverse reports especially from Japan. In 2018, the HK SAR Government announced the plan to implement HPV vaccination to young girls as government free vaccination program. To maximize effective prevention, good coverage, good planning and preparation are much needed. Acceptability is one of major challenge in high uptake. School based program seems so far to be most effective in achieving a high coverage. Our previous studies showed that school based education improved on knowledge and acceptability of teenagers to HPV vaccination. Educating parents and community are as important. Our previous study showed that effectiveness and side-effects were main concern. Thus, education pamphlets or talks should address these potential concerns. Though the vaccines is most effective before sexual exposure, information on potential benefit after sexual exposure is also needed for self -funded vaccination. Furthermore, implementation of population vaccination need good planning with cross- department co-ordination, attentions to logistics. A good registry need to be set up to monitor the uptake and possibly on effectiveness. In future, need to address whether boys should be vaccinated and impact on the screening program. To make the program successful, all professional should take part in its preparation and implementation.