Over 6,500 girls in Zhambyl region received HPV vaccine

Over 6,500 girls in Zhambyl region have been administered the HPV vaccine so far. 11,471 girls aged 11 and 24,366 aged 12-13 may get the vaccine in the region, Kazinform News Agency reports.

There are 11,838 11-year-old girls in the region, of which 97% are eligible for the two-dose HPV vaccination. There are 12,355 12-year-old and 12,011 13-year-old girls who also may receive the vaccine.

The HPV vaccine is the most effective way to protect from an HPV (human papillomavirus) infection and most cases of cervical cancer. Its efficacy stands at 95%.

6,512 girls aged 11-13 were administered the first dose of the HPV vaccine in the region. No side effects were reported.

It is recommended that two doses of the HPV vaccine be administered at an interval of six months between the first and second doses. Besides, there is a program to provide the HPV catch-up vaccination for girls of 12-13 years.

As earlier reported, above 4,600 girls were vaccinated against HPV in Almaty.

The HPV vaccination rolled out in Kazakhstan this September.