In a concerted effort to prioritize women’s health, the UPLB Gender Center recently initiated a free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program.
The program, launched in collaboration with the Office of Congresswoman Ruth Mariano-Hernandez and the University Health Service (UHS), administered the first dose on April 8, 2024, for 250 beneficiaries. This innovative endeavor builds upon the success of the “At Your Cervix” cervical cancer screening and orientation event at the Obdulia F. Sison Hall on March 11, 2024.
Dr Guadalupe N. Villanueva, an OBGYN, was the speaker at the forum to orient the attendees, raise awareness and prevent HPV. HPV is a prevalent viral infection often associated with cervical cancer.
The program marks a significant step in promoting female-centric medical services. HPV, classified as one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the Philippines, poses a significant health risk to women. However, transmission can occur through non-sexual means as well. The vaccination program addresses this pressing issue, recognizing the critical role vaccination plays in preventing HPV-related complications, including cervical cancer.
This activity emphasized the importance of public health awareness regarding HPV and that knowing about HPV is essential for promoting public health, encouraging vaccination uptake, fostering sexual health education, and ensuring gender equity in healthcare interventions.
The vaccination event, held free of charge, underscores the commitment of the Gender Center to address gender and development concerns in healthcare. Accessible to UPLB students and neighboring communities, the program aims to break down financial barriers to essential medical care and preventive services.
To qualify for vaccination, participants must meet specific criteria, including being within the reproductive age range of 15 to 45 years old, without allergies to vaccine components, and non-pregnancy for female participants. Before vaccination, participants undergo thorough screening to ensure their eligibility and safety.
Like COVID-19 vaccination protocols, the vaccination process involves several stations, including registration, vital signs assessment, medical screening by obstetrician-gynecologists, issuance of vaccination cards, dose administration, and post-vaccine observation.
The organizers cautioned the participants about the vaccine’s side effects, such as pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, and mild fatigue. They also explained management strategies, including rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief.
Assurance of vaccine safety and efficacy, coupled with a structured three-dose schedule, reinforces the program’s commitment to women’s health. The subsequent doses of the HPV vaccine are scheduled for administration on June 7, 2024, and October 8, 2024, respectively.The UPLB Gender Center’s HPV vaccination program represents a significant stride in prioritizing women’s health and combating preventable diseases. This initiative empowers women to take control of their health and well-being, fostering a healthier and more equitable society. (Sairah Mae Saipudin)