By Malu Cadelina Manar
KIDAPAWAN CITY– The vaccine that protects girls aged nine to 13 from cervical cancer is safe, a government doctor in Soccsksargen (Region 12) said.
Dr. Edvir Montaner of the Department of Health (DH) in Region 12 said they started to administer this July until August the giving of first dose of Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to girls in public schools. The second dose would be given from February until March next year, she added.
“We target girls aged nine to 13 for the vaccine as during this stage that their reproductive organs start to develop. Rereglahin na sila. Alam naman natin now a days kung ano ang life ng ating mga adolescents, di ba,” said Montaner during a press briefing held at Eva’s Hotel here, Thursday.
The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) but is different from Human immuno virus (HIV) and herpes, a study from the DOH showed.
Montaner explained that the HPV vaccine is “one best protection” against cervical cancer and other reproductive health problems.
Citing studies, she said the vaccine is safe and is effective at preventing HPV.
“Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. But many people who get the HPV vaccine have no side effects at all. During the study, walang nakita na adverse effects, katulad ng lumalabas ngayon na epekto sa ibang bakuna,” she added.
“We started four years ago the giving of HPV vaccines to girls, and none, so far, died or developed other diseases after they were given the dosage,” she said.
She, however, admitted that because of the “mass hysteria” brought about by the controversies behind the Dengvaxia vaccine, the number of girls being given the HPV vaccines decreased.