TO BOOST the immunity of teenage girls and immunocompromised persons against infections and complications brought by various kinds of human papillomavirus or HPV, the city government of Caloocan launched a free vaccination program against the said virus.

HPV infections are generally transmitted due to sexual interactions with an infected person.

Common symptoms include genital and anal warts, but in rare cases, multiple kinds of cancers may arise, especially cervical cancer in women.

City Mayor Dale Gonzalo ‘Along’ Malapitan lauded the efforts of the City Health Department in spearheading the program and acknowledged the significance of starting the inoculation of teens aged 9 to 14 years old to have a better chance of resisting the viral infection later in life.

“Maraming-maraming salamat po sa CHD para sa pagsusulong ng programa na ito upang siguraduhin ang kalusugan ng mga kabataan,” Malapitan said.

“Sa mga magulang po, mainam po na habang bata ay makapagpabakuna na ang ating mga anak upang lumakas pa ang kanilang resistensiya laban sa HPV habang sila ay tumatanda. Tandaan po natin na mas magandang maiwasan na ang mga komplikasyong dulot nito kaysa ma-infect at hayaang lumala,” he added.

The local chief executive likewise reiterated his assurance to his constituents that the vaccines are studied, made, and confirmed to be safe by experts.

“Ligtas po ang mga bakuna para sa mga Batang Kankaloo, batay na rin po sa masusing pag-aaral ng mga eksperto. Lagi po nating sisiguraduhin ang kapakanan ng mga Batang Kankaloo sa pagpapatupad ng ating mga proyekto at programa,” the local executive added.

The city government also reminds the public that the vaccine has two doses to be given six months apart and minors need parental consent before receiving the said vaccine.