Ample Vaccine of 9-valent HPV from October|缺貨近1年 子宮頸九價疫苗將漲價

The 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer, has been out of stock in Taiwan for almost a year. People willing to pay for the vaccines themselves have to make appointments far in advance to get vaccinated. The pharmaceutical company estimates the supply will go up starting October, but there are also rumors that the vaccination fee will go up 20 percent in one fell swoop in November from the current NT$ 4,800 to NT$ 5,500.


Nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccines have been in short supply in Taiwan for a year. Women willing to pay out of pocket have to make appointments long in advance to get the shot, and waiting lists at many hospitals and clinics are in the hundreds. Many Hong Kong and China residents also think about getting inoculated in Taiwan.

The number of people getting inoculated (domestically) went up again. In addition, people in our neighboring countries, especially the Mainland area, are coming to Taiwan as medical tourists to get the shot. These are the causes of the short supply.

HPV vaccines are available in 2-, 4-, and 9-valent forms. Nine-valent vaccines are the newest and went out of stock in Taiwan and Hong Kong less than a year after their launch two years ago. The manufacturer says supplies will stabilize starting in October, but there are also reports that prices will go up from the current NT$ 4,800 to NT$ 5,500.

The manufacturer is raising prices because of its difficulties keeping the vaccine in supply. But really, everyone should just accept the higher price because this is for prevention.

Doctors say the vaccines are 80 to 90 percent effective against cervical cancer but safe sex remains the best form of prevention. Vaccine manufacturer Merck and Co. says the price hike will go into effect in early November but the 9-valent vaccine is inexpensive in Taiwan because it costs at least NT$ 20,000 for the three doses in Hong Kong and China.