The health department in Goa has administered the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to 204 girls since the launch of the vaccination drive on February 28, as part of efforts to prevent cervical cancer. The government aims to vaccinate 12,000 girls aged 14 to 15 years.
Vaccination Details and Eligibility
Currently, the vaccine is provided free of charge to girls in the age group of 14 to 15 years and 90 days. When the campaign concludes on May 28, the age cutoff will be strictly 15 years, without the additional 90-day grace period. Cervical cancer is the only cancer that can be prevented through vaccination.
Expected Increase in Vaccinations After School Reopens
The health department anticipates a rise in the number of beneficiaries once schools reopen in June. A health official explained, "Initially, we had school exams, and now vacations are ongoing. Awareness efforts continue for teachers and parents. We have been targeting parent-teacher association (PTA) meetings to conduct awareness sessions where we can engage with both teachers and parents."
The official added that social media is also being utilized to raise awareness and disseminate accurate information about the vaccine, aiming to alleviate parental hesitancy and dispel misconceptions.
School Cooperation and Consent Requirements
In March, the Directorate of Education issued a circular instructing all school heads to cooperate and support the vaccine rollout, which is available at all government health facilities. Although the vaccination is voluntary, obtaining consent from a parent or guardian is mandatory before administering the vaccine.
The health department continues to work towards its target of 12,000 vaccinations by the end of the campaign, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and school involvement.
