ANGELES CITY – A total of 1,773 female children ages nine to 14 years old in the 23 barangays were given the second dose of Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) vaccines.
The vaccines are for protection against human papillomaviruses infection. HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, which can cause genital warts and certain types of cancer (cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal).
Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., through the City Health Office (CHO) and Gender and Development Office (GAD), will continue to administer the vaccine to the remaining 10 barangays with 624 beneficiaries, bringing the total beneficiaries to 2,397 women.
“Kailangan nating pangalagaan ang kalusugan ng ating mga kabataan, para mas makapaghanda sila para sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” Lazatin said.
The vaccination started last May 17 and will run until May 27, 2021.
“Iikot po tayo sa 33 barangays, at babakunahan po natin lahat ng mga batang babaeng Angeleno edad 9-14 years old, para maprotektahan po sila laban sa HPV,” Mina Cabiles, GAD officer, said.
Safety and health protocols against Covid-19, such as wearing of face masks, face shields, and social distancing are observed at all times, during the administration of vaccines in the health centers, sub-health centers, and Rural Health Units (RHUs).
According to City Health Officer Dr. Verona Guevarra, HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at age 11 or 14 years old but can be administered to girls as young as nine years of age.
Lazatin is also urging all parents to have their female children get vaccinated against HPV.
It can be recalled that in 2020 the City Government has conducted the first dose of community-based immunization of HPV vaccines to female children ages nine to 14 years old in the 33 barangays.
Meanwhile, Lazatin has commended the City health midwives and staff of GAD for their dedication to the program.
“Maraming salamat sa inyo sa hindi matatawarang dedikasyon ninyo sa ating tungkulin,” Lazatin said. (Angeles City Information Office)