Rich or poor, educated or uneducated, many refuse free vaccines
Summary
Many parents, including educated and well-off ones, in Kathmandu Valley and Madhesh Province refuse free HPV vaccines, posing risks of cervical cancer. Health officials note lower vaccine uptake in cities and are preparing an annual vaccination campaign for 10-year-old girls.
Key Points
- Immunisation workers faced resistance in administering free HPV vaccines in private schools due to parental consent issues.
- HPV vaccine uptake is lower in Kathmandu Valley compared to some districts in Madhesh Province.
- Educated and well-off families often refuse free vaccines but purchase costly vaccines privately, complicating public health efforts.
- The government plans a month-long annual HPV vaccination campaign targeting all 10-year-old girls to reduce cervical cancer cases.
