Concerned about measles, HPV and Covid-19, Ministry of Health launches vaccination campaign in schools – News

The Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, said this Wednesday (3) that the vaccination coverage that concerns the department most are measles, HPV and Covid-19. The statement was made during the launch of the National Movement for Vaccination in Schools, held at the Elementary Education Center 306 North of the Federal District.

“There is always great concern about measles, especially because it has returned and we want to eliminate it. But I would say that all the vaccines that are in the National Immunization Program, such as Covid-19 and HPV, are a concern”, he highlighted.

Related to HPV, this week the Ministry of Health issued a technical note that changed the immunizer’s vaccination schedule to a single dose. The target audience continues to be made up of girls and boys aged 9 to 14, as well as people who are immunocompromised or victims of sexual violence.

“We are actively searching for young people up to the age of 19 who have not yet been vaccinated. It is a time to rebuild trust in health, education and vaccination”, reinforced Nísia.

The HPV virus is the main cause of cervical cancer. Last year, 6.1 million doses of the HPV vaccine were administered, the highest number since 2018 (5.1 million) and which represents an increase of 42% compared to 2022, when just over 4 million doses were administered. doses.

Campaign in schools

Regarding the start of vaccination in schools, the minister highlighted the importance of facilitating access to campaigns for parents and guardians.

“There is guidance that parents who, for some reason, do not want vaccination, leave a statement to that effect in schools. The school community, the Department of Education and the Ministry of Health work not in an imposing way for vaccination, but in an assertive way to guarantee the protection of these children. And we are making precisely this appeal, about how important this vaccination is for children and young people”, said the head of the department.