Indonesia has widened its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program to include male students, not just female students, enamplus.liputan6.com reports. The change means boys will now be offered the vaccine as part of the same school-based effort previously aimed at girls.
The shift reflects a broader push to protect both sexes against HPV-related disease. Bio Farma, Indonesia's state-owned vaccine producer, is reported by IDN Times Jabar to be pressing for faster rollout of HPV shots for boys. Separately, the Korpri civil servants' corps has run a campaign called "Sejuta Vaksin HPV" — a million HPV vaccines — under the banner of healthy public servants and a strong nation, according to Korpri.
The expansion has also drawn misinformation. Tribrata News published a fact-check labeling as false the claim that the HPV vaccine can make boys impotent. That claim is categorized as a hoax by the outlet.
Coverage of the program has extended to regional health initiatives as well. RRI.co.id reported on the launch of a "DWP Sehat" program by the Dharma Wanita Persatuan branch in Nduga, showing local-level activity alongside the national effort.
Taken together, the reports point to a widening national approach: vaccinating boys as well as girls, involving state vaccine manufacturing, civil service networks and regional health programs, while fact-checkers work to counter false claims about the shot's effects on male recipients.
What to watch next: whether Indonesian health authorities publish an official schedule and eligibility details for male students under the expanded program.