AS A response to the alarming number of cases of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) will hold a school-based immunization orientation on August 10 at Magallanes Elementary School for female students.
According to doctor Julinda Acosta, Chief Technical Division of the City Health Office (CHO), HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and some types can cause health problems including genital warts and cervical cancer.
“We are targeting girls aging nine to 13 years old, sa mga grade four kasi mas effective siya sa mga babae na wala pang prior exposure sa sexual intercourse, female lang po (We are targeting girls aging nine to 13 years old, these are grade four pupils since it [vaccine] is more effective to females without prior exposure on sexual intercourse),” Acosta said.
Acosta said they are expecting 15,873 female pupils to be vaccinated with HPV from the different public schools in Davao City.
Acosta urged the media to help spread information on the campaign and correct misconceptions on the vaccine. This is to bring back the confidence of the parents on the program after the Dengvaxia vaccine incident.
Acosta assured the public that the vaccines are safe and has been used since year 2013 in Davao City.