Why girls should take HP vaccine – Jigawa Govt

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The Jigawa government has reassured residents of the state regarding safety of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) and stated why it’s important to take.

Dr Shehu Sambo, Executive Secretary, Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigetia (NAN), in Dutse on Sunday.

He said HPV vaccine is safe, harmless and protective, stressing that administering it to women would improve maternal outcomes in the state.

Sambo said HPV vaccine has been integrated into the state’s routine immunisation targeting girls age 9 – 14.

“We are assuring people of Jigawa that since the state government agreed to facilitate the introduction of the vaccine from the Federal Government down to states, LGAs and population. It is important and key in improving our maternal outcomes.

“Cervical cancer kills a lot of women and usually they present late. So, if we are able to protect our girls, then we will improve the survival of our women in the state.

“I assure parents and caregivers that this vaccine is very safe and is being used world over,” he said.

This, he said, would correct misconceptions and address vaccine hesitancy in the state.

According to Sambo, the agency is conducting awareness creation activities to mobilise participation and improve uptake of the vaccine.