HIGHLIGHTS

• Free HPV Vaccinations for Students: Thammasat University offers free HPV vaccinations to students—initially targeting cisgender female students—to prevent cervical cancer and related illnesses, with over 2,000 students registering so far.
• Commitment to Student Well-being: The programme is part of a broader health promotion effort by the Thammasat Well Being Center, which ensures equitable access to essential health services for the student community.
• Public Health Significance: HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, with strains 16 and 18 responsible for over 70% of cases. Vaccination before exposure is the most effective prevention method.
• Ongoing and Expanding Efforts: The programme began in March 2024 and is set to continue and expand to include other student groups. Updates and registration details are shared via the Thammasat Well Being Center’s Facebook page.

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Thammasat University is prioritising disease prevention and health promotion for its students. That’s why it’s been consistently offering free vaccinations against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—the main cause of cervical cancer and other related illnesses. This programme is a key part of the university’s commitment to student welfare and health services.

Why the HPV Vaccine Matters for Public Health

HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. Here in Thailand, it remains a significant public health concern. While over 100 strains of HPV exist, certain high-risk types, particularly strains 16 and 18, are responsible for over 70% of cervical cancer cases.

HPV infection can spread easily through direct contact or sexual activity, and it often doesn’t show any symptoms initially. However, the virus can lie dormant in the body and lead to cellular changes that develop into cancer over several years. Beyond cervical cancer, HPV can also cause other cancers in both women and men, including vaginal, anal, and penile cancers, as well as genital warts.

That’s why HPV vaccination is the most effective preventative measure, especially when given before any exposure to the virus. Building immunity during childhood and adolescence significantly reduces the risk of these diseases.

Free Vaccinations for Thammasat Students

The free HPV vaccination programme for Thammasat students is systematically managed by the Thammasat Well Being Center. This centre is crucial for delivering health services and promoting student well-being, aiming to ensure students have fair and comprehensive access to essential health services.

The programme officially kicked off its first round of vaccinations in March 2024, initially focusing on cisgender female students. This group is directly at risk of cervical cancer, and the goal was to build strong foundational immunity within the student body.

The specific type of vaccine offered might change periodically, depending on Ministry of Public Health policies or university procurement, but it will always cover the main disease-causing strains. To get the best protection, individuals need to complete the full vaccination course (usually 2-3 doses, depending on age and vaccine type). The Thammasat Well Being Center has a system in place for registration and follow-up appointments to ensure continuous service.

This programme has been incredibly well-received by students, showing a growing health awareness among the younger generation. To date, over 2,000 students have expressed interest and registered for the vaccine. This clearly demonstrates the programme’s success and the demand among students for preventative health services.

The Future of the Programme

Thammasat University and the Thammasat Well Being Center are committed to continuing this programme. They also plan to expand its scope to cover other student groups in the future, with the aim of fostering overall health across the entire Thammasat community.

If you’re a student interested in joining a future round of the programme, or if you want more details about eligibility, new registration dates, or other health information, you can contact and follow updates directly on the Thammasat Well Being Center’s Facebook page. They’ll post the most current information there regularly.