Women opting to receive shots overseas

The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine protects women against developing cervical cancer. Getting vaccinated near home or the workplace is convenient but demand and supply come into play.

The vaccine is only approved for females ages 16 to 26 on the Chinese mainland, and because of excessive demand, many young women head to other destinations.

Some countries and regions near the mainland have a maximum age of at least 45 for the vaccination. Hong Kong is one such region.