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Busan Metropolitan City to Support HPV Vaccination for 26-Year-Old Women (Born in 1998) Only Until the End of This Year

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that since January this year, it has been providing financial support for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination to women aged 26 (born in 1998) who are registered residents of Busan.

Since the beginning of 2025, the city has supported over 4,000 vaccinations for this target group.

Eligible recipients may choose between two types of HPV vaccines—either the 4-valent or 9-valent version. Regardless of the vaccine type, a subsidy of KRW 100,000 is offered per dose, up to a maximum of three doses.

HPV vaccines offer over 90% effectiveness in preventing major diseases caused by HPV infection, such as cervical cancer, making them the only vaccines capable of preventing cancer.

*Approximately 90% of cervical cancer and 70% of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers are caused by HPV infection.

As vaccination costs vary by medical institution, recipients must cover any expenses beyond the subsidized amount. The number of subsidized doses available to each individual may vary depending on their vaccination history and the interval between doses.

Individuals who have not yet received any doses are advised to begin vaccination promptly. Those who have already started the regimen must complete the second (or third) dose by the scheduled date provided by the designated medical institution in order to receive the subsidy.

Vaccinations can be obtained at one of the 340 designated medical institutions in the city. Individuals may visit the location of their choice. A list of institutions is available on the city's Infectious Disease Portal (busan.go.kr/bsi/index) and the websites of 16 district health centers.

On the day of vaccination, proof of address in Busan—such as a resident registration certificate or electronic certificate from the Government24 app—is required.

Meanwhile, the national government began offering HPV vaccinations to girls aged 12 (born in 2003) in 2016, and expanded the program in 2022 to include females aged 12–17 and low-income women aged 18–26.

In April 2024, Busan Metropolitan City enacted the “Ordinance on Support for Human Papillomavirus Vaccination,” establishing a legal basis to provide vaccination subsidies to all citizens, regardless of income level—a first among all local governments in Korea.

Based on this ordinance, the city provides subsidies to women who were born between 1997 and 2002 and who turn 26 years old in the given year, provided they did not receive support through the national vaccination program.

Cho Kyu-yul, Director General of the Bureau of Citizens’ Health, stated, “HPV vaccination is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer and related diseases,” and encouraged eligible citizens to actively take advantage of this opportunity.