Kotagede, Warganet – The Yogyakarta City Government has expanded its Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program by including boys as recipients. The initiative aims to provide early health protection and prevent various diseases caused by HPV infection.
Citing the Yogyakarta City Government News Portal, Tuesday (August 4, 2026), the HPV vaccination for boys is being carried out by the Yogyakarta Health Office in collaboration with local community health centers (puskesmas) as part of the 2026 School Children Immunization Month (BIAS) program throughout August.
One of the HPV vaccination activities was held at SD Intis School Yogyakarta in Kotagede on Tuesday (August 4, 2026). In addition to boys, HPV vaccination was also given to girls, which has been part of the Yogyakarta City Government’s immunization program since 2022.
Head of Kotagede II Community Health Center, dr. Atika Anggiasih, said the HPV vaccine is given to children aged 11 years or fifth-grade elementary school students in a single dose. If students have not received the vaccine in fifth grade, catch-up HPV vaccination can be provided in sixth grade, at age 12, or during junior high school at ages 14–15.
“HPV vaccination for boys is very important. The virus that causes cervical cancer has been proven through research to be HPV. In boys, HPV can also act as a carrier, which means they can transmit the virus and potentially contribute to cervical cancer cases in women,” said dr. Atika.
She explained that HPV is commonly associated with cervical cancer in women. However, the virus can also cause other diseases affecting men, including anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and genital warts.
Dr. Atika ensured that the HPV vaccine provided through the government program is safe. However, parents are still advised to be aware of mild post-immunization reactions, such as fever or swelling at the injection site.
“So far, there have been no significant side effects from the HPV vaccine. However, we continue to monitor possible Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), as each child’s immune response may be different,” she said.
Dr. Atika encouraged parents not to hesitate to allow their children to receive HPV vaccination. Besides providing greater protection against disease risks, the vaccine is also provided free of charge as it is covered by the government.
“We encourage parents not to hesitate in allowing their children to receive HPV vaccination, both boys and girls, because the benefits are very important for their future health,” she added.
Meanwhile, Head of SD Intis School Yogyakarta, Mohammad Muadin, welcomed the BIAS program, especially the introduction of HPV vaccination for boys this year. The school had previously informed parents about the program and received their approval.
“We greatly appreciate this vaccination program because it is very important for children’s future health in preventing diseases that may pose serious risks,” he said.
Through the expansion of the HPV vaccination program, the Yogyakarta City Government hopes more children will receive early protection, reducing the risk of HPV-related diseases in the future.
