Author: MARY RAMADHANI
AfricaPress-Tanzania: IN order for the body to get full protection against cervical cancer, 14-year-old girls are urged to complete two doses of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as scheduled.
The call came as the trend of girls receiving the vaccine shows to be declining, especially when it comes to completing the second dose, and among the reasons for the decline includes the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus.
The Health Ministry’s National Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme (IVDP) Acting Manager, Ms Lotalis Gadau said this over the weekend when she gave a presentation at a one-day seminar for journalists aimed at raising awareness on the importance of immunization.
“We urge parents and guardians to encourage girls who are eligible for a second vaccination to get this vaccine, because in order for the body to get full immunity, they must be given two doses of the HPV vaccine; whereas the second dose is to be given six months after receiving the first dose,” she stressed.
When comparing statistics of the first and second dose of the HPV vaccine in three years, it shows that most people do not return for the second dose.
HPV1 in 2018, 2019 and 2020 recorded a percentage of 59, 78, and 61 respectively; while those who returned for the second dose (HPV2) in 2018, 2019 and 2020 recorded percentages of 40, 49, 38 respectively, she explained.
She elaborated that statistics show how in 2019 the trend of vaccination was at a good pace, but that of January to June 2020 is not satisfactory, considering that out of the 61 per cent of girls vaccinated by HPV1, only 38 per cent returned for the second dose.
“We did well in the first dose of this vaccine, most girls were vaccinated at schools and within our communities, but due to the Coronavirus, there are those who did not go to get the second dose at health care facilities,” asserted Ms Gadau.
She stressed that in order for a child to be fully immunised, they must complete their immunization as scheduled and in a timely manner.
Girls aged 14 years must receive two doses of HPV vaccine to be fully immunized, the first dose at 14 years and second dose is given after six months, she reiterated.
Ms Gadau further explained that the vaccination services are given at health facilities, within the community and in schools; and they are free of charge, safe and prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA).
“Vaccination remains the best way in keeping your child healthy,” she emphasized as she urged parents and guardians to make sure their eligible daughters take or complete the full dose of the HPV vaccine.
The Dar es Salaam Acting Regional Medical Officer (RMO), Dr Ayoub Kibito urged parents and guardians to send all eligible children for immunization at public or private health facilities so that they can be vaccinated, as the service is important in preventing vaccinepreventable diseases and deaths.
“It has been proven that vaccination is an effective strategy in eradicating diseases and reducing child mortality, as well as reducing the high costs that families and the nation as a whole would incur on treating diseases caused by vaccine-preventable diseases,” he stated.
He mentioned the diseases currently targeted by the National Immunization Programme to include Tuberculosis, whooping cough, Polio, Measles, Rubella, Tetanus, Pneumonia, Diarrhoea and Cervical Cancer.
