Minister: HPV vaccination for Plus 1 & 2 students soon
Veena George
on Monday. A technical committee will meet within a week for a final decision on the vaccine.
"Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women.
HPV vaccine
is most effective for ages 9 to 14 years, but it can be administered up to the age of 26 years. Cervical cancer is preventable through vaccination and the state made this significant decision based on chief minister's directive," said a statement issued by the minister.
The state is undertaking significant efforts to achieve a cervical cancer-free Kerala, she said. "An awareness campaign about
HPV vaccination
will also be organised.
Awareness messages will be prepared according to the technical committee's guidelines. Special awareness will be provided at the school level as the students are in Plus One and Plus Two. Parents will also be informed of the need for administering the vaccination to their children," she added.
Health department is conducting robust activities for cancer prevention, said George. "A cancer care grid has been established to coordinate diagnosis and treatment. As part of cancer prevention, a public campaign titled 'Health is Happiness, Keep Cancer Away' was launched. Over 1.7 million people were screened," she said, adding that the campaign would be further strengthened.
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