HPV Vaccines Prevent Over 70% of Cervical Cancers
Secure the Future of Your Loved Ones with the HPV Vaccine
Cervical cancer is the 10th most common cancer among women in Taiwan, with 1,436 new cases in 2020 and 608 deaths in 2021. The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. There are no clear symptoms in most cases of HPV infection, and 90% of all HPV infections clear up within one year; an infection that persists for more than one year is called a “persistent infection”. There is currently no medical cure for HPV infection, making prevention and vaccination all the more important. All three HPV vaccines approved for use by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration can prevent 70% of the high-risk HPV strains (types 16 and 18). Research has also shown that HPV vaccines protect against HPV infection for at least eight years.
According to recommendations given by the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of the HPV vaccine in girls aged 9-14 is more effective in preventing infection due to the lack of sexual activity. In December 2018, the Health Promotion Administration began promoting HPV vaccination in female junior high school students, achieving a vaccination rate of 77.6% among newly admitted female junior high school students in 2018, 88.1% in 2019, 86.6% in 2020, and 92.0% in 2021. Vaccination is encouraged for all who are eligible in order to build a line of defense against the virus.
Please read the HPV column before getting your HPV vaccine
To help the general public learn more about the role, safety, and effectiveness of HPV vaccines, the Health Promotion Administration includes HPV under the Topics section on its website (https://www.hpa.gov.tw/Pages/List.aspx?nodeid=212) that includes a health education handbook, a leaflet, infographics, and videos on HPV vaccines. Using these resources, parents can learn more about HPV vaccines and talk about them knowledgeably with their children. If you have any questions regarding HPV vaccines, please call the national HPV vaccine hotline at 0800-88-3513 ; you can also fax us at 04-2310-6667 for services for the hearing- or speech impaired. Vaccination can proceed after the patient’s consent is obtained and after the patient is assessed by a physician to be suitable for vaccination. After getting vaccinated, please wait at least 30 minutes before leaving the vaccination site. The most common symptoms after vaccination include redness and soreness at the injection site, as well as dizziness and headache; most of these symptoms are short-lived and are mild to moderate in severity. Please notify the physician in case of further discomfort. If you have any related questions, please call the national HPV vaccine hotline at 0800-88-3513.
Free Pap test for eligible women
Research has also shown that although HPV vaccines do protect against certain HPV strains, they cannot fully prevent cervical cancer. It is therefore necessary for those who are sexually active to practice safe sex, use condoms correctly, and go in for a regular Pap test screening. The Health Promotion Administration offers subsidized Pap tests to women over 30 years old, who are eligible for one free screening per year. It is recommended that women undergo screening at least once every three years. Eligible women are encouraged to make use of this free service; remember, it only takes six minutes to protect your health!
Media inquiries:Li-Ju Lin, Director
Cancer Prevention and Control Division
Tel: 0979-305-076; 02-2522-0770
HPV vaccine specialists: Yhu-Chering Huang, M.D.
Taiwan Immunization Vision and Strategy
Tel: 0975-365-934
Jian-Pei Huang, M.D.
Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Tel: 0975-835-325
Chun-Chih Peng, M.D.
Taiwan Pediatric Association
Tel: 0975-835-412
Media contact:Yung-Chih Yeh, Technical Specialist
Surveillance, Research and Health Education Division
Tel: 0972-725-705; 02-2522-0585