HPV Vaccination in Men, Asia and the World

Sang-Rak BaeKorea (Republic of) Speaker HPV Vaccination in Men, Asia and the WorldHPV Vaccination in Men: Status in Asia and the World Human papillomavirus (HPV) comprises a group of over 200 virus types, among which certain high-risk types are known to cause genital warts and various cancers. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is a leading cause of cervical cancer and is also associated with vulvar, vaginal, oral/oropharyngeal, penile, and anal cancers. Approximately 5.2% of all cancers globally—amounting to around 600,000 new cases annually—are attributed to HPV infection. Prophylactic vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent these HPV-related malignancies. In the case of cervical cancer, HPV screening and treatment of precancerous lesions are also recognized as effective preventive strategies. However, due to the absence of reliable screening methods for HPV-related conditions in men, the burden of male HPV infection has often been overlooked. As of 2025, around 149 countries have implemented national HPV vaccination programs, of which 82 offer gender-neutral vaccination (GNV). In Asia, Mongolia, Bhutan, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait have adopted GNV, and Taiwan is scheduled to expand vaccination to males starting September 2025. This study aims to emphasize the necessity of expanding HPV vaccination for males in Asia, based on global comparisons and the rationale for male vaccination. 1. History of HPV and HPV Vaccination In the 1970s, HPV infection was first identified as a cause of female genital malignancies. In 1985, HPV DNA was detected in head and neck cancer tissues, and in 1995, HPV types 16 and 18 were officially classified as carcinogenic for genital cancers. The first HPV vaccine was developed in 2006, and in 2007, HPV-16 was acknowledged as a carcinogen for head and neck cancers. As of July 2025, 37 out of 38 OECD countries (excluding Türkiye) have implemented national vaccination programs. Japan and Korea currently only provide government-supported vaccination for females. In Asia, Mongolia, Bhutan, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait offer vaccination for both sexes, with Taiwan including males starting in September 2025. 2. Global Status of HPV-Related Cancers To reduce the incidence of cervical cancer to fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 women by 2030, the WHO has launched the "A World Without Cervical Cancer" initiative, targeting 90% vaccination coverage, 70% screening uptake, and 90% treatment rates. Globally, 87–96% of cervical cancers are HPV-related, with 92% in Asia alone. Additionally, head and neck cancers—the fifth most common cancer—are associated with HPV in 20–40% of cases. Penile cancer is linked to HPV in up to 90% of HGSIL cases and approximately 33% of invasive penile cancers. In total, HPV is associated with over 730,000 cancers worldwide, representing over 5% of all malignancies. 3. Rationale for HPV Vaccination in Males HPV vaccination in males is often underprioritized, as the burden of prevention is traditionally placed on females. Unlike cervical cancer in females, there is no organized screening program for HPV-related non-cervical cancers in men, limiting secondary prevention benefits. Men also show lower awareness of HPV-related diseases, increasing their vulnerability to infection. Due to insufficient vaccine coverage, populations such as MSM and unvaccinated females remain inadequately protected despite herd immunity. Males act as a significant reservoir of HPV. Transmission from female to male occurs at a rate of 5.6 per 100 person-months, while male-to-female transmission is also substantial at 3.5. HPV-infected sperm demonstrates reduced motility and increased DNA fragmentation, potentially affecting fertility. In the U.S., the incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer in men has surpassed that of cervical cancer in women since the mid-2010s. 4. HPV Vaccination for Males in Asia Asia is home to approximately 60% of the global population. However, the two most populous countries—China and India—do not include HPV vaccination in their national immunization programs. Among the Asian countries offering vaccination, only Mongolia, Bhutan, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and now Taiwan (from September 2025) provide GNV. There is significant variability in vaccination coverage across nations. According to GLOBOCAN data, 58% of global cervical cancer cases—around 352,000 new diagnoses—occur in Asia. Given Asia’s population size and disease burden, expanding HPV vaccination programs, particularly for males, is a critical public health priority. 5. Recommendations To prevent HPV-related diseases—including cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and benign HPV-related conditions—HPV vaccination is recommended for both males and females aged 9–26. Individuals aged 9–14 should receive two doses at 0 and 6 months; those aged 15–26 should receive three doses at 0, 1, and 6 months. The optimal age for vaccination is 11–12 years. Women aged 27 and above may receive the vaccine based on individual clinical decision-making. 6. Conclusion HPV affects both sexes, contributing significantly to disease burden in males through cancers and anogenital warts. The lack of organized screening for HPV-related diseases in men makes gender-neutral vaccination (GNV) a fair and effective public health strategy. GNV may also accelerate cervical cancer elimination and increase program resilience against future disruptions. In particular, the high burden of HPV-related diseases in Asia underscores the urgency and importance of expanding vaccination coverage across the region.