Thailand launches HPV vaccine drive for schoolgirls to fight cancer
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is set to administer the first dose of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to schoolgirls in grade five starting tomorrow, as part of efforts to combat cervical cancer.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced that the government is focusing on adolescent and young women’s healthcare, with the HPV vaccine being a key element of this initiative. This vaccination rollout is a segment of a broader voluntary programme that targets females aged 11 to 20 years old.
The ministry plans to distribute over a million doses, covering nine strains of HPV, to 673,500 grade five students alongside 400,000 other young women within the specified age range. For those who have already received an initial dose, booster shots will be provided to enhance protection against four additional HPV strains, according to the minister.
The vaccination initiative is scheduled to commence at Wat Kien Ket School in Pathum Thani before expanding nationally, the minister said.
“The ultimate goal is to reduce sickness and fatalities from cervical cancer in Thai women, as it is curable if caught early.”
Women outside the 11 to 20 age bracket can access free home test kits from state-run hospitals to determine the need for further treatment if results are positive.
In a related development, the national disease control committee decided on December 9 to intensify vaccinations for measles, rubella, and mumps in children under five in provinces where immunisation rates have dropped below 95%, reported Bangkok Post.
The Reach Out programme will be deployed, involving mobile vaccination units and a surveillance campaign to notify the ministry of any outbreaks, said Somsak.
“The Reach Out programme involves mobile vaccination units and a surveillance campaign to alert the ministry of any outbreaks.”
In related news, the Thai government urges individuals insured under Sections 33 and 39 of the Social Security Act who are 50 years old and above to receive free influenza vaccinations until December 31.
