Press Release

“Free HPV Vaccination Now Available for Boys” HPV National Immunization Program Expanded to Include 12-Year-Old Boys Starting May

∙ Beginning in May, the National Immunization Program (NIP) will newly provide free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for 12-year-old boys.

∙ Expected to reduce HPV infections and related disease burden among male adolescents.

* Relevant National Policy Task (98-3): Ensuring Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) throughout the life course.

Osong, 16 April 2026 ━ The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced that starting May 6 2026, the National Immunization Program (NIP) will be expanded to include Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for 12-year-old boys (born in 2014).

This initiative extends the existing HPV vaccination program, which previously focused on female adolescents, to include male adolescents as well. By promoting vaccination among both sexes, the program aims to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases*.

* HPV-related diseases: cervical cancer, anal cancer, genital warts, and anal intraepithelial neoplasia, etc. (approximately 90% of cervical cancers and 70% of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers are caused by HPV infection (US CDC))

Both women and men can be infected by HPV. Evidence confirms that HPV vaccination is effective* in preventing related diseases** in males, and vaccination is expected to reduce future infections and disease incidence.

* Efficacy of vaccination: 89% for genital warts, 91% for external genital lesions, and 78% for anal intraepithelial neoplasia (US CDC)

** Related diseases: anal cancer, genital warts, anal intraepithelial neoplasia, and oropharyngeal cancer, etc.

In addition, HPV vaccines have been introduced into national immunization programs in 147 countries worldwide, including 37 out of 38 OECD Member States, demonstrating their established safety and effectiveness.

Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices (KECIP) concluded that HPV vaccination is effective in preventing HPV-related diseases such as genital warts and anal cancer in males. The Committee also emphasized that expanding vaccination to include males, in addition to females, will help reduce the overall burden of HPV-related diseases in society. Based on the domestic and international research and accumulated vaccination experience showing its safety and effectiveness, the Committee recommended expanding NIP support for HPV vaccination to male adolescents.

<Preventive Effects of HPV Vaccination Against HPV-Related Diseases>

Genital WartsExternal Genital LesionsCervical LesionsAnal Intraepithelial NeoplasiaCervical Cancer

Male89%91%-78%-

Female99%-95%-90%

(US FDA)

Eligible individuals can receive the HPV (quadrivalent) vaccine free of charge at designated medical institutions or public health centers nationwide. For people to get an easy access, KDCA will provide information on participating healthcare providers and support vaccination record management through the immunization registry website*.

* Immunization registry website: https://nip.kdca.go.kr 

KDCA Commissioner Dr. Seung-Kwan Lim stated, “HPV vaccination is an effective means of preventing cancer and related diseases in the future. We expect that expanding eligibility will enable more adolescents to receive timely vaccination.” He also added, “KDCA will ensure thorough preparations so that HPV vaccination for male adolescents can be implemented smoothly ahead of its launch in May 2026.”