The Ministry of Health has decided to extend its free “catch-up” program for human papillomavirus (HPV), citing logistical challenges and a shortage of vaccine.

The revised schedule, approved at a ministerial committee meeting on Wednesday, allows eligible women to receive their first dose of vaccine by the end of March 2025 and complete the remaining two doses over the following year.

The program — originally scheduled to end in March 2025 — will also expand eligibility to include women born in fiscal year 2008. That means women born between fiscal years 1997 and 2008 are eligible for the free vaccine.