Thai Government Expands Free HPV Vaccination to University Women
Bangkok, Thailand – The Thai government is extending its free HPV vaccination program to university-level female students, aiming to considerably reduce cervical cancer rates among women nationwide.This initiative builds upon existing efforts to protect younger girls.
In a move to further enhance the health and quality of life for Thai women, the government, through the Ministry of Public Health‘s Department of Disease Control, is launching a pilot project to offer the HPV vaccine to female students aged 20-26 who have not previously received it. This expansion targets a demographic that may have missed earlier vaccination opportunities, even with the program’s prior focus on girls aged 11-12 and secondary school students.
The project will initially roll out in 24 pilot universities across Thailand. The HPV vaccine being administered is a 9-valent formulation, which studies indicate can provide long-lasting immunity with just a single dose. This single-dose approach not only bolsters protection against cervical cancer but also serves as a crucial catch-up chance for young women.
Participating Pilot Universities:
- Chulalongkorn University
- Kasetsart University
- Khon Kaen University
- Chiang Mai University
- thaksin University
- King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
- King Mongkut’s University of Technology North bangkok
- Suranaree University of Technology
- Thammasat University
- Burapha University
- Phayao University
- Mahidol University
- Mae Fah Luang University
- Walailak University
- Srinakharinwirot University
- Silpakorn University
- Suan Dusit University
- Prince of Songkla University
- Kalyaniwattana music Institute
- King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
- Mae jo University
- Chitralada Institute of Technology
- Srisawarinthira Nursing Institute, Thai Red Cross
- National Institute of Development Administration
The government is encouraging all eligible female students at these institutions to participate in the vaccination drive. The data collected from this pilot phase will inform future nationwide expansion, with the ultimate goal of reducing illness and mortality from cervical cancer, a significant cause of death among Thai women.
