UPDATE: Tufton says HPV vaccinations will continue
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Health, Dr Christopher Tufton, told OBSERVER ONLINE this evening that his ministry’s initiative to prevent cervical cancer, through the use of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), has not been suspended.
Dr Tufton was responding to a statement earlier today to Minister of Education, Senator Ruel Reid, suggesting that the programme had been put on hold, pending other developments.
“It has not been suspended. We are continuing, but careful to ensure that we work with the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders, to ensure adequate information to parents and guardians and student,” he explained.
However, Dr Tufton admitted that educating parents about the vaccine could result in delays in the original schedule for the schools.
“But, where this is in place, we will proceed,” he confirmed.
There has been some confusion since Senator Reid’s statement on the issue, made at a press conference on the Grade Four Literacy and Numeracy results at his ministry, was reported.
Dr Tufton, in a statement to the House of Representatives today, said that his ministry is aware that there are lingering concerns in the public.
He asked concerned persons to call the ministry’s toll free line, 1-888-ONE LOVE or 1-888-663-5683, to clarify their concerns.
He said that the public can also email the ministry, at hpvinfo@moh.gov.jm, or visit its website – www.moh.gov.jm and its social media channels.
“We are ramping up our public education campaign and the media also has a role to play,” he told the House of Representatives.
“Our experts from the ministry have been on the airwaves explaining this vaccination campaign, and will continue to facilitate any opportunity to enlighten the public,” he pointed out.
He added that the ministry, through the Regional Health Authorities and the local Health Departments, will continue to engage parents through Parent Teachers’ Associations (PTAs) and the schools administration, to ensure the dissemination of information, education and communication material.
Balford Henry
