About one million girls between the ages of nine and fourteen will be vaccinated against the Human Papiloma Virus, HPV in Oyo State starting from Monday, 27th May, 2024.
Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Muideen Olatunji, made this known while speaking with Newsmen in Ibadan.
Dr Olatunji who explained that one dose of HPV Vaccine prevents Cervcal Cancer, noted that sexually active school age girls needed to verify their HPV Status before taking the Vaccine.
He pointed out that the Vaccine is free for every eligible young girls and called on parents and guardians to give their consent to enable them benefit from the exercise.
Dr Olatunji noted that the exercise will last for six days in schools, house to house and communities.
He emphasized that the HPV Vaccine will be incorporated into the routine immunization schedule at the primary Healthcare Centres across the state to make it available for girls who have not reached the age of nine.
Dr Olatunji who said out- of – school girls from age 9 to 14 will also be vaccinated, enjoined people to support the programme.
Oyo state is among the Second phase to roll out the HPV Vaccine.
It is not advisable for these young girls to be given the vaccine.
The motive behind given the vaccine is genuine.