HPV is one of 14 complete basic immunizations for girls.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The Ministry of Health stated that children who are not in school are still targeted by the government in administering the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine which can prevent cervical cancer. The government’s duty is to ensure that all Indonesian girls get the HPV vaccine.
“That means, for children aged 11-12 years who are not attending formal school, they are still included in the government’s target,” said Director of Immunization Management at the Ministry of Health Prima Yosephine at the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Press Conference in Jakarta, Tuesday (31/1/2023 ).
Prima stated that the Indonesian government had taken concrete steps by implementing the HPV immunization program as one of 14 complete basic immunizations for grade 5 and 6 elementary school girls. government targets the HPV vaccine given as many as two doses and the administration has so far been free of charge.
The administration of the vaccine is aimed at maximizing the development of antibodies during the “golden time” for children in preventing cervical cancer which is now the second highest cause of death in women in Indonesia after breast cancer. According to Prima, even though all children within the specified age are included in the government’s target, there are still a number of challenges such as rejection from both schools and parents.
On the other hand there are still those who are promoting black campaigns about the HPV vaccination. Some of the ones that are rife are sharia issues, bad rumors in the media and misperceptions about Post-Immunization Follow-up Events (AEFI).
“Regarding the negative rumors, we need clarification immediately so as not to interfere with the implementation of the HPV BIAS and a high coverage of at least 95 percent can be achieved,” he said.
Therefore, the Ministry of Health is involved in mobilizing a number of parties in educating and preventing the wider spread of hoaxes such as the Health Service and the Social Service while taking data on these children who are not in school. From the data collection, the government is preparing the HPV vaccine according to the needs in each region. The government is also trying to gather the children in one place in order to ensure that children’s rights are fulfilled indiscriminately.
“The administration of the HPV vaccine to non-educated children can be done at posyandu, puskesmas or it can also be at orphanages, halfway houses, foundations and orphanages,” said Prima.
He added that for people beyond that age, currently they can still access the HPV vaccine at the nearest health facility. It’s just that the cost of administering the vaccine at this time cannot be borne by the government.
“The target for the government-borne HPV vaccine is at the age of 11-12 years. But for people outside this group, the HPV vaccine can be purchased independently,” he said.
source: Between
