Hong Kong: HPV vaccine shortage reported

Event

A shortage of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been reported in Hong Kong. According to reports, the shortage is due to an increase in "vaccine tourism" from mainland China. Additionally, due to the high demand from mainlanders, the price has significantly increased. Due to the shortages, some residents have reportedly been unable to finish the vaccination process, which takes about 12 months to be completed. Since April, only local residents have been permitted to make appointments for the vaccination.

On a related note, tensions between mainlanders and medical workers have been high. On June 6, clashes broke out at a protest held by a dozen Chinese women at the Kowloon clinic in Hong Kong, leaving several individuals injured.

Context

Shortages of the HPV vaccine first started being reported in mid-2017. Other shortages blamed on Chinese tourists have occurred in recent years, such as a baby formula shortage in 2013 and a lack of hospital beds in 2012 due Chinese women traveling to give birth at Hong Kong hospitals.

Advice

Concerned individuals in Hong Kong are advised to contact their medical service providers for more information.