Panaji: The health department has administered HPV(Human Papillomavirus) vaccines to 204 girls as protection against cervical cancer since the launch of the vaccination drive on Feb 28.Govt aims to vaccinate 12,000 girls aged 14 to 15 years. As on date, the vaccine is administered free of charge for those in the age group of 14 -15 years and 90 days. When the campaign ends on May 28, the cut-off age will be 15 years (and not 90 days). Cervical cancer is the only one that can be prevented through a vaccine.The health department expects the number of vaccine beneficiaries to rise after school reopens in June. “First we had school exams and now vacations. Awareness continues for teachers and their parents. We have been targeting parent teacher association (PTA) meetings to have awareness sessions where we can talk to teachers as well as parents,” a health official said. He added that they are also using social media to raise awareness and put out accurate information about the vaccine to alleviate the parents’ hesitation and bust misconceptions about it.In March, The directorate of education passed a circular that asked heads of all schools to cooperate and support the vaccine roll-out, which is available at all government facilities. Although the vaccine is voluntary, consent from the parent/guardian is mandatory before vaccination.
