Texas HPV Vaccination Campaign Shows progress, but More Girls Need Shots
Texas is making progress in its fight against cervical cancer, but health officials are urging parents to ensure their daughters receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. As of today,9,013 doses of the HPV vaccine have been administered in the state,representing 47.1% completion of the campaign’s goal, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The campaign, which targets fifth-grade girls and 11-year-old out-of-school adolescents, aims to prevent cervical cancer, a leading cause of death among women globally. Jesús Manuel Zárate Torres, head of Childhood and Adolescent Health, emphasized the vaccine’s long-term protective effects. “The protection provided by this biological has a latency of between 20 and 30 years, which means that by vaccinating adolescent girls today, the risk of developing cervical cancer in the coming decades is considerably reduced,” said Zárate Torres.
The state aims to administer 16,973 doses by December 31st.To date, 7,712 doses have been given to school-aged girls, 109 to out-of-school minors, 1,082 to adolescents aged 12-15 who were previously unvaccinated, and 120 to individuals in high-risk groups. Unfortunately, 177 vaccine refusals have been recorded.
The free HPV vaccine is available at health centers across Texas alongside other crucial immunizations, including those for COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcus. “The interested population has until December 31 to come and receive these immunizations, which are essential to prevent serious diseases and protect long-term health,” added Zárate Torres.
Health officials are urging parents and adolescents to take advantage of this vital prospect to protect against cervical cancer. The campaign’s success hinges on reaching the remaining unvaccinated girls to achieve herd immunity and significantly reduce the incidence of this preventable disease.
For more information on vaccine locations and scheduling, please contact your local health department.
