The introduction of the cervical cancer vaccine to be administered to class eight students should be rolled out to all schools over six months early this year.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine to girls in Class Eight is the last of three new vaccines (the Pneumococcal and Rotavirus vaccines have been rolled out for infants in September 2012) approved for introduction by Cabinet in May 2011.
“It is important that all girls in Class Eight receive the required doses that will be administered by the Ministry of Health. The findings that cervical cancer is the highest cause of any cancer deaths in the country is really worrying and that’s why parents, stakeholders and teachers should put their hands together in seeing that this initiative is carried out successfully,” commented Dr. Lal
“The Ministry of Education will assist Ministry of Health officials in making sure that this exercise is carried out smoothly in all schools.
“Schools should expect visits from the School Health Team early in Term One for awareness purposes and also for the distribution of brochures on HPV vaccine and cervical cancer. In this respect I urge all teachers to help in the implementation and promotion of this whole exercise to benefit our children.”
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