Prevent Cervical Cancer with Complete Immunization, This is the Government’s Effort

To commemorate Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, PT Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) Indonesia held an event entitled “Dare to #NgobrolinHPV, Prevent Cervical Cancer Early” on Tuesday (31/1/2023).

This event invited the Director of Immunization Management, Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, dr. Prima Yosephine, MKM, to explain the government’s steps in dealing with cervical cancer cases in Indonesia.

1. Complete Basic Immunization (IDL) up to 11 months is not enough

Doctor Prima explained that Complete Basic Immunization (IDL) alone for up to 11 months is not enough to provide optimal protection against PD31 (an infectious disease that can be prevented by a vaccine).

In addition, people’s understanding of immunization is only limited to 9 months of age.

Doctor Prima invites all of us to carry out a complete immunization which includes:

IDL at the age of 0–11 months.

PCV3, DPT-HB-Hib, and measles-rubella follow-up immunization at under 23 months of age.

Advanced immunization against measles, rubella and DT in class 1 SD/MI.

Td immunization in grades 2 and 5 SD/MI.

HPV immunization in grade 5 and 6 SD/MI students.

2. Government strategy for out-of-school immunization

The government has a strategy to reach targets outside of schools. In carrying out HPV immunization that is integrated with the School Child Immunization Month (BIAS), the target of vaccination must also reach children who attend non-formal schools, as well as children who do not attend school or drop out of school.

For children who are not in school, immunization can be carried out at posyandu, puskesmas, and other health care facilities. Immunizations can also be carried out in places where children who do not go to school congregate, such as shelters for street children, orphanages, social institutions and others.

To obtain data on school-age children who are not in school, the health office will coordinate with the local social services to collect data directly.

3. There is a plan to expand new vaccines in 2023

In 2023, the government plans a new vaccine expansion. This includes national HPV immunization, national IPV2 immunization, national rotavirus (RV) immunization, and Japanese encephalitis (JE) immunization in West Kalimantan province.

This strategy is expected to reduce the incidence of genital warts and reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer. For HPV immunization specifically, the government will continue to carry out immunizations nationally and target 2,722,311 girls in grades 5 and 6 in 2023.

The government’s efforts to reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer in Indonesia certainly require the participation of all levels of society. Come on, do complete immunization for our children!