DOH to scrap vaccination program vs HPV–Garin

The Department of Health (DOH) is scrapping the school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program set to be rolled out next month to help curb the prevalence of cervical cancer in the country.

Health Secretary Janette Garin cited limited funds and concerns raised by some sectors that the vaccine might encourage promiscuity for the policy decision.

The HPV vaccine program will be shifted to local government health centers, particularly those in the poorest provinces, Garin told reporters.

“There are misinterpretations and misinformation among the public that as we promote vaccination against cervical cancer among young girls, we are also promoting promiscuity, which is not true,” said Garin.

Not in schools

“But to show the public that we are not forcing the program, [we will not implement this in schools],” she said.

She said the new vaccine will still be made available for free to 300,000 children aged 8 and 9 by local government units and health centers in the 20 poorest provinces identified by the National Economic Development Authority.

“The HPV vaccination program will no longer be school-based. We will be shifting to the local government units,” she said, adding that priority would be given to the poorest provinces.

HPV, an infection commonly spread during vaginal, oral or anal sex, has been associated with the development of cervical cancer, genital warts and other cancers like oral or throat cancer and anal cancers. Studies have shown that 99 percent of cervical cancer is caused by HPV.

According to the World Health Organization, the two HPV vaccines being marketed in many countries throughout the world are “highly efficacious” in preventing infection with two virus types responsible for roughly 70 percent of cervical cancer cases globally.

Program rollout

Initially, the plan was to roll out the HPV vaccination program among Grade 4 female students with parental consent in the 20 poorest provinces in the country along with the launch of school-based immunization against measles, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis next month.

Garin said studies have shown that the HPV vaccine was best administered to children aged 8 and 9, when they are not likely to have started sexual activity.

Next to breast cancer, cervical cancer is the top cancer killer among Filipino women. At least 6,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year or 12 per day, according to the DOH.