CHILDREN in the 9-to-13 age group who received the first dose of the anti-human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine last year and this year are encouraged to get the second dose for free by the end of 2018.
Davao City Health Office technical officer Dr. Julinda Acosta told reporters Thursday, June 7, that the vials good for one dose will be available at health centers and barangay health stations by November or December for those who got the first dose.
Acosta encouraged parents to allow the vaccinations after some parents refused the the first dose offered since August 2017, following the Dengvaxia controversy.
"I ask the parents not to be afraid because HPV vaccine has been in the market for so long a time. In fact hindi ako naka-avail noon bata pa ako because it is very expensive. It can cost you per dose, P4,500 to P10,000 and it will be offered for free," Acosta said.
She said HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease among males and females and once the children can get the vaccination, they can be protected in the future.
"Ito yung mga bata na wala pang sexual exposure, at least nabibigyan ng protection," she said.
Acosta said a total of 7,946 children availed the first dose last year and this year.
A total of 2,289 availed of second dose vaccines.
Acosta said those who have not availed the first dose, can have their names included in the master list for distribution of vaccines next year.