Cervical cancer preventable, says DOH official

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1351447889190/cervical-cancer-preventable-says-doh-official
• Thursday, November 19, 2015

By Claro A. Lanipa (ALT/CAL/PIA-9 Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, 19 Nov. (PIA) – The Department of Health says cervical cancer can be prevented through human papillomavirus vaccination (HPV) which will be administered by DOH in all priority provinces nationwide to include the province of Zamboanga del Sur in Zamboanga peninsula.

Dr. Agnes E. Fernando, development management officer V, DOH Provincial Office said the vaccine will be given in two doses, specifically for 9 -10 year old girls.

“The first dose will be given this November 2015, and the second dose will be six months after, to be administered in May 2016,” Fernando said.

“HPV vaccination is most effective when given during childhood or adolescence or before sexual debut, when the risk of HPV infection is nil or at its lowest,”she explained.

Vaccination at a young age is also ideal because this is when the immune system is at its strongest and, therefore, will mount a robust response to the vaccine, according to Dr. Fernando.

HPV will be handled by health personnel at the health facilities only (city/rural health units) to ensure a comfortable room temperature and to carefully monitor the children for 15 minutes after the administration of the vaccine.

DOH officials also urged parents to have their children take their meal before the vaccination and ensure that those who received the first dose of HPV first dose this month shall be given the second dose by May next year.