KOTA KINABALU: The government will consider expanding the free human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation programme to include protection against cervical cancer for adults.
However, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said that providing the vaccine free to adult women would depend on whether her ministry had sufficient funds.
From next year, the government will immunise all 13-year-olds in a programme that is expected to cost about RM150mil a year.
“The decision to provide the vaccine free for 13-year-olds was made because cervical cancer accounted for the second highest number of cancer cases among women in Malaysia, after breast cancer.
“If there is a need, the ministry will extend free jabs for others,” she told reporters at the her Hari Raya open house in Kg Pengalat Besar in Papar yesterday.
She said the vaccine has been found to be more effective when given to younger people compared to those in the 40s.
On Friday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai announced that some 300,000 13-year-olds would be given free HPV immunisation jabs.
The vaccine is available in the country and costs about RM1,200 for three doses at private hospitals although the government was negotiating with the suppliers to reduce the price to about RM500.
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