DepEd reports low HPV vaccination rates among learners due to parents' concerns

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The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday reported low vaccination rates for human papillomavirus (HPV) among learners, with the vaccine administered for free to female Grade 4 students.

According to Dr. Connie Gepanayao, Medical Officer IV and Head of the School Health and Nutrition Unit of DepEd National Capital Region (NCR), the agency observed a decline in parents' consent for school-based immunization initiatives since the 2020 pandemic.

“Nakakalungkot nga na sa NCR, medyo mababa ang aming vaccination rate, siguro dahil sa mga nakalipas na pangyayari, mga hindi magaganda. Katulad ng mga may nagkakasakit pagkatapos mabakunahan,” Gepanayao said on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

(It is unfortunate that in NCR, our vaccination rate is quite low, likely due to past incidents—unfortunate ones, such as children falling ill after getting vaccinated.)

“So medyo mababa ngayon ang aming vaccination rate, kung ikukumpara mo noong bago mag-pandemic… kumbaga, hindi pa nakakabangon ang school-based immunization sa mga nangyari sa mga nakalipas na panahon,” she added.

(So our vaccination rate is quite low right now compared to pre-pandemic levels... school-based immunization has not fully recovered from past events.)

DepEd NCR stated that it targets the immunization of 85% of its students, but current coverage stands at only around 30%, far below its goal.

Gepanayao emphasized that the HPV vaccine is completely safe, citing the rigorous testing and research conducted by scientists during its development.

She appealed to parents to allow their children to receive the vaccine, which is a proven and effective measure to protect against the virus that, if left untreated, could lead to cancers including cervical, anal, and vulvar cancer.

“Itong bakuna sa Human Papillomavirus or HPV vaccine ‘yung una meron siyang apat na strain… It’s P4,500. Ngayon, dito sa Department of Education, ibinibigay nang libre. Kaya sa mga magulang na nanonood ngayon, ang bakuna laban sa [HPV] ay ligtas at epektibo,” Gepanayao said.

(This vaccine against Human Papillomavirus, or HPV vaccine, costs P4,500. Here at the Department of Education, it is given for free. So to the parents watching right now, the vaccine against HPV is safe and effective.)

“'Wag po kayong matakot dahil ito ay nag-underwent sa masusing pag-aaral ng ating mga siyentipiko at ang nalalaman ko lang na kaniyang side effect ay pain, yung kirot, other than that wala na,” she added.

(Do not be afraid because this underwent thorough study by our scientists, and the only side effect I know of is pain, the soreness.)

Gepanayao explained that upon receiving the vaccine, students undergo a 30-minute observation period to ensure their condition is stable and that the shot produces no alarming side effects.

To curb the dipping vaccination rate, the agency plans to exert extra effort to talk to parents and educate them on the safety and protection provided by the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine program is set to expand to include female Grade 5 learners in the upcoming school year, according to Gepanayao.

The Department of Health previously targeted the vaccination of two million students against HPV, a virus that causes cervical cancer.

As of 2022, the DOH Epidemiology Bureau has recorded 7,829 cervical cancer cases in the Philippines.

Cervical cancer is among the top five most common cancers in the country, according to the World Health Organization. –NB, GMA News