Bangkok, December 11, 2024 – The Europe Today: The Ministry of Public Health of Thailand has announced that it will begin administering the first dose of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine to Prathom 5 (Grade 5) schoolgirls on December 20. This initiative aims to protect young girls from cervical cancer, a preventable disease if detected early.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin emphasized that the government is committed to enhancing healthcare for teenagers and young women, with the HPV vaccination program being one of its key priorities.
The rollout is part of a broader voluntary vaccination campaign targeting females aged 11 to 20. The ministry plans to deliver over one million doses of the vaccine, which covers nine HPV strains, to 673,500 Prathom 5 students and 400,000 other individuals in the designated age group.
Minister Somsak stated that those who have already received a single dose will be given booster shots to provide protection against an additional four HPV variants. The Prathom 5 vaccination program will commence at Wat Kien Ket School in Pathum Thani on December 20, before expanding nationwide.
The initiative’s ultimate objective is to reduce the incidence and fatalities caused by cervical cancer among Thai women. For women outside the 11-20 age group, the ministry is offering free home testing kits through state-run hospitals, allowing early detection and timely treatment.
In addition to the HPV vaccination program, the National Disease Control Committee has approved an intensified vaccination campaign against measles, rubella, and mumps for children up to 5 years old in provinces with immunization rates below 95%. Dubbed the “Reach Out” program, this initiative involves mobile vaccination units and a surveillance system to monitor potential outbreaks.
This dual approach underscores Thailand’s dedication to improving public health and ensuring access to preventive care for its citizens.
