807 girls vaccinated against cervical cancer in Chamba
As many as 807 adolescent girls have been vaccinated against cervical cancer under the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) campaign in Chamba district so far.
The initiative, being implemented by the Health and Family Welfare Department, focuses on protecting girls against cervical cancer. Health officials have termed the progress under the initiative as encouraging and said that efforts were underway to expand coverage.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Jalam Bhardwaj said the department was committed to reaching every eligible adolescent girl with the vaccine. He added that the HPV vaccine was safe, effective and met scientific standards.
The Central Government has also accorded priority to the vaccine at the national level, making it available free of cost at all government health institutions.
To ensure wider outreach, special vaccination sessions are being organised at health centres and schools, targeting girls in the 14 to 15 age group. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted through health staff, who are visiting households to inform families about the benefits of the vaccine.
Dr Bhardwaj urged peopl not to pay heed to rumours and ensure that all eligible girls receive the vaccine.
He added that the vaccination drive would continue with sessions scheduled on April 11, 12, 19 and 26 and May 3 at 27 health centres in the district.
