Okaz/Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Health Ministry confirmed that more than 131,087 girl students in schools have received the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

The ministry told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that the HPV vaccine is considered as a main vaccine in the national vaccination schedule.

It noted the importance of raising the parents' awareness of the necessity of the vaccine to overcome the Human papillomavirus and protect women from this dangerous disease.

It has clarified that the studies have proven that giving the HPV vaccine for the girls at an early age has a more effective effect, especially for those at age 9, as recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

According to the latest statistics, the number of infected women with HPV in Saudi Arabia is about 358 cases annually, while the number of deaths due to the disease is 179.

The cervical cancer is considered the 8th most common cancers among women in Saudi Arabia. More than 90% of the cervical cancer infections are associated with Human papillomavirus.

It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Health has stated earlier that the girls from 9-14 years old are given two doses of the HPV vaccination before they are exposed to the virus, and three doses for the age group of 15 years and over.

The vaccination is divided and given from 6-12 months to ensure the desired benefit.