MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday urged parents to have their children vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) as early as age 9.
In a radio interview, the DOH said free HPV vaccinations are available for young girls and stressed that the vaccine is most effective for those who have not yet had sexual contact.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa noted, however, that despite the availability of free vaccination, only about 70 percent of parents have agreed to have their daughters immunized.
“We need to convince more parents to have their young girls be vaccinated,” he said.
