Collector urges girls to get free HPV vaccine before May 31

Kochi: The ignorance of the threat posed by cervical cancer and misinformation spread in society seem to have dissuaded many girls from getting administered with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination against cervical cancer, the second-most common cancer affecting women. As this special mission to administer the vaccine free of cost is set to conclude by May 31, district collector G Priyanka urged all eligible girls to receive the vaccine to ensure their safety.Currently, only 34% (7,496 individuals) of the targeted children have been vaccinated. Since this opportunity will not be available after May 31, parents are encouraged to take advantage of it without delay. The vaccine is being administered to girls aged 14 to 15 years and 3 months during this phase. Unnecessary concerns and misconceptions about the vaccine are holding many back. However, the collector clarified that apart from the minor pain or swelling typical of regular injections, there are no other side effects. The campaign aims to target 22,358 girls in this age group in Ernakulam. While this vaccine costs between Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,500 in private hospitals, it is being provided completely free of charge at all govt hospitals in the district during the campaign period. Parents should contact the nearest govt hospital to find the schedule for HPV vaccination sessions and ensure their children receive the vaccine. This preventive measure is essential for girls' healthy future, the collector urged. The campaign, led by central govt, is taking place in all states across the country from March, spanning three months. A study, conducted by a private hospital among 513 rural women in Ernakulam found that only 13% of them had ever heard of HPV vaccine against cervical cancer, while only 9% of women underwent the cervical cancer screening test.