From July 1, 2026, vaccine against HPV virus (Human Papilloma Virus) is officially included in the compulsory immunization list in the Expanded Program on Immunization. This is considered an important step forward in the prevention of cervical cancer and HPV-related diseases in Vietnam.
The Minister of Health has issued Circular No. 13/2026/TT-BYT regulating vaccination activities. Accordingly, from July 1, 2026, HPV virus diseases are added to the list of diseases requiring vaccine and biological products in compulsory vaccination through the Expanded Program on Immunization.
The addition of HPV vaccine to the compulsory immunization program is expected to help increase vaccine coverage, reduce the risk of diseases caused by HPV, especially cervical cancer - one of the most common cancers in women.
It is expected that 11-year-old girls will be vaccinated for free
According to the roadmap to increase the number of vaccines in the Expanded Program on Immunization for the period 2021-2030 approved by the Government in Resolution 104/NQ-CP in 2022, HPV vaccine will be implemented from 2026.
According to information from the Ministry of Health, HPV vaccine is expected to be given free of charge to 11-year-old girls nationwide. However, the specific age, dosage, subjects of application and detailed implementation plan are still awaiting official guidance from specialized agencies.
This means that from 2026, not all people will be vaccinated against HPV for free, but in the immediate future, the program is expected to prioritize girls in the target age group of the Expanded Program on Immunization.
The policy of introducing HPV vaccine into the Expanded Program on Immunization has been approved by the Government since 2022. After a process of preparing resources, expertise and vaccines, the health sector is starting to implement the immunization roadmap, initially prioritizing 12-year-old girls in some mountainous provinces, remote areas and areas with difficult socio-economic conditions.
According to the plan, in the initial phase, about 18,900 girls in grade 6 and 11-year-old girls who do not go to school will have free access to vaccines each year. The implementation will be carried out step by step to ensure full conditions on human resources, expertise and vaccine supply.
Incorporating a new vaccine into the Expanded Program on Immunization requires many stages, from identifying beneficiaries, developing implementation plans, selecting vaccines, to training health officials and organizing communication before vaccination.
After the initial implementation phase, the scope of HPV vaccination can continue to be expanded based on the evaluation of implementation results and proposals from the Ministry of Health.
Currently, HPV vaccine is being implemented in the form of service vaccination for people aged 9 to 45. Children aged 9-15 are usually vaccinated with 2 doses 6 months apart, while people aged 15 and over need to get 3 doses according to the protocol within 6 months.
Increase opportunities for cervical cancer prevention
HPV is a very common virus, which can be transmitted through sex or skin and mucous membrane contact. Anyone, regardless of gender or age, is at risk of infection with this virus. In addition to cervical cancer, HPV is also associated with many other dangerous diseases such as anal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, penile cancer and genital warts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) affirms that vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent HPV infection and cancers caused by this virus. Doctors recommend that people should proactively get vaccinated at reputable medical facilities to be consulted and ensure safety during vaccination.
HPV is a virus mainly transmitted through sexual contact and is the leading cause of cervical cancer. In addition, this virus is also related to many other diseases such as vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile cancer and some cancers of the head and neck.
Circular 13/2026/TT-BYT also specifically stipulates the organization of regular vaccination, dosage booster vaccination, campaign vaccination, epidemic vaccination, management of vaccination subjects and reporting regimes in vaccination activities.
The Circular takes effect from July 1, 2026. At that time, HPV vaccine will officially become part of the National Expanded Program on Immunization, opening up opportunities to access free vaccines for millions of children nationwide.
