2,000 free HPV vaccines allocated for 2-day programme at Sibu’s UTS

SIBU (Sept 28): The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) has provided 2,000 doses of free human papillomavirus vaccines (HPV) during a vaccination programme at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here today.

Speaking at the programme, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said thus far, 800 people have registered to take the vaccine.

“We still have plenty of HPV doses, so individuals are encouraged to come forward to take the vaccine,” added the Pelawan assemblyman.

The two-day programme, running from 9am to 3.30pm, is organised by the Pelawan Service Centre.

Tiang said, according to NCSM, 300,000 free HPV vaccines are available for the whole country and 100,000 are reserved for Sarawak.

“Pelawan Service Centre will collaborate with NCSM to organise such programme and let the public visit UTS to receive this vaccine,” he said.

Tiang also explained that the vaccination is especially meant for those in the 30 to 40 age range because, based on medical research, people in this age range can still reproduce antibodies against cancer after taking the vaccine.

Additionally, he also urged the public to promote awareness about cervical cancer as a type of cancer caused by HPV infection.

“Although women make up most of them, men also contribute substantially to this infection. Nevertheless, cervical cancer caused by HPV is treatable, thus getting the injection as early as possible is best,” he said.