Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health are in discussions regarding the potential inclusion of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) in the mandatory childhood vaccination schedule.
While no policy has been formalized yet, Health Minister Molwyn Joseph stressed the need for dialogue on this matter.
Currently, children are required to receive eight vaccines plus a booster shot.
The Health Ministry is also considering switching to a single-dose HPV vaccine, despite the higher cost, to combat cervical cancer effectively by 2020.
Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts in this regard have earned praise from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), positioning the country as a pilot program participant in the quest to meet World Health Organization targets for cervical cancer elimination.
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