Manggarai Regency Bolsters HPV Vaccination Drive, Emphasizes Parental Role
Ruteng, Manggarai Regency – Local health officials are intensifying efforts to expand HPV vaccination coverage across Manggarai Regency, with a particular focus on engaging parents to encourage their children’s participation. The initiative aims to protect against HPV infections and prevent cervical cancer and other related diseases.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can lead to several cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Vaccination is a highly effective preventative measure, and national guidelines recommend HPV vaccination beginning at age 5 or between 9-15 years.The manggarai Regency government recognizes the critical role parents play in ensuring their children receive this vital protection.
Currently, HPV vaccination services are available at 25 Puskesmas (community health centers) throughout the regency. For 2024, the government allocated 4,500 HPV vaccine vials targeting 1,500 women aged 15-45 years, with an additional 4,254 vials earmarked for 1,418 women in the same age group for 2025.Alongside this, 7,079 vaccine doses are designated for elementary school students aged 9-15. Officials confirm the current vaccine supply is sufficient to meet the needs of all targeted individuals.
To accelerate vaccination rates among students, a simultaneous vaccination campaign will be conducted in schools starting in August 2025. Health workers will also conduct follow-up outreach – described as “sweeping Go back to school” – to ensure students unable to attend the scheduled sessions receive their vaccinations.
Officials are actively seeking collaboration between educational institutions, parents, and other stakeholders to maximize the impact of the program. Vaccination for women aged 15-45 remains targeted due to vaccine availability.
