Haroli/Una, March 27 (Rajveer Chopra):— The Haroli Health Department has become fully active in its efforts to ensure the success of the HPV vaccination campaign, an initiative launched by the government to protect women against uterine cancer (cervical cancer). Under this campaign, seven vaccination centers have been established within the Haroli Health Block.
This campaign will be conducted in three phases, specifically targeting girls aged 14 to 15 years. These girls will be administered the HPV vaccine to provide protection against cervical cancer.
In this regard, BMO Haroli, Dr. Shingara Singh, held a virtual meeting on Friday with doctors from all Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs) to review preparations and issue necessary guidelines. He directed that all girls belonging to the targeted age group be identified and that their vaccination be ensured in a time-bound manner. Furthermore, he placed special emphasis on raising awareness among parents and dispelling any misconceptions regarding the vaccine.
The seven centers where vaccinations will be conducted under this campaign include PHC Panjavar, CHC Bhadsali, PHC Badhera, CH Haroli, PHC Bathri, CHC Kungrat, and CHC Dulehar. Vaccinations at these centers are scheduled to take place on March 29, April 5, and April 12.
Dr. Shingara Singh stated that the HPV vaccine is effective in providing protection against cervical cancer as well as other related diseases. Timely vaccination can significantly mitigate the risk of serious health threats in the future.
The Health Department has appealed to parents to ensure they take their daughters, aged 14–15 years, to their nearest designated center on the scheduled dates to get them vaccinated, thereby safeguarding them against this serious disease.
He also clarified that this vaccine is not a new introduction; rather, it has been in use since the year 2006. The government's decision to provide this vaccine free of cost to girls aged 14 to 15 is a commendable step. He stated that, after breast cancer, cervical cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among women, and this vaccination is crucial for its prevention.