HPV vaccination for children aged 9 to 13 raises doubts among Surinamese parents – Dagblad Suriname

The school vaccination campaign will start today, Thursday April 25. launched, administering the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to students. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health held information sessions at schools to make children aware of the importance of this vaccine. The HPV vaccine is crucial because it can prevent not only diseases but also certain types of cancer. Yet many Surinamese parents express increasing doubts about the HPV vaccination via social media.

HPV vaccine

A report from the Pan-American Health Organization, PAHO, in 2023 shows that despite the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2013, Suriname faced challenges. The vaccination rate fell to 8 percent in 2022. Suriname’s recent switch to a one-dose HPV vaccination schedule, in line with recent recommendations from the WHO (World Health Organization) and PAHO, demonstrates a renewed commitment to boost vaccination efforts to improve.

According to Health Minister Amar Ramadhin, the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer in women and other forms of cancer in boys if they are vaccinated at a young age.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer, ranked as the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, has become a major health problem in Suriname according to PAHO. An estimated 78 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year, resulting in 48 deaths. In Suriname, cervical cancer ranks second as the leading cause of cancer in women.

School health program

In Suriname there has been a national immunization program for years, whereby children are protected against various infectious diseases according to a schedule, in line with internationally recognized procedures. Within the framework of the school health program, the Regional Health Service Foundation (RGD) has responsibility for approximately 282 primary schools spread across the coastal plain of Suriname. Its target group is children between 6 and 15 years old and amounts to more than 100,000 students. The school program consists of a screening and vaccination component. The aim of the school health program is to recognize and discover abnormalities in school children aged 6 to 15 years at an early stage. The vaccination against cervical cancer was introduced in 2013. Students (girls) will be vaccinated from the age of 9.

Doubts among parents

Since the announcement of the HPV vaccination program, which aims to protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can lead to several cancers, including cervical cancer, concerns among parents have increased. These doubts are mainly fueled by concerns about the safety of the vaccine.

Lack of trust

One of the main concerns of Surinamese parents appears to be the lack of trust in the government and healthcare institutions. Previous health care shortcomings have led many people to distrust vaccines. Some also refer to the side effects of other types of vaccines such as the Covid-19 vaccine. This lack of trust can cause resistance to vaccination programs, even when there are clear health benefits.

Fear of side effects

If parents think that vaccination carries risks, they may be reluctant because they want the best for their children. There are reports on social media that show that people are afraid that their children may become infertile later in life if they take the HPV vaccine.

Cultural or religious beliefs

Some parents’ religious or cultural beliefs may influence their views on vaccinations. This may be due to traditional beliefs about health, medicine and vaccination.

Misconceptions or misinformation

Parents may have doubts about the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine due to false or misleading information circulating. For example, although the Ministry of Health considers the HPV vaccine safe, there are some people who believe it could be dangerous or cause serious side effects or that previous research on the vaccine has not been validated.

Transparency of health authorities

Health authorities must be transparent about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and actively fight against misinformation. It is also possible to create a more positive image of the HPV vaccine by informing parents about the benefits of vaccination and debunking common misconceptions.

In addition, it is crucial to listen to parents’ concerns and objections and take them seriously. Healthcare facilities can achieve greater acceptance of vaccination programs if they communicate openly and empathetically with their communities.

SD