ABOUT 40 PER CENT of girls eligible for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine have received it through the Ministry of Health’s campaign.
And gynae-oncologist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Dr Vikash Chatrani, has urged parents who have not given permission for their daughters to be vaccinated to do so.
“I want you to know that the ministry is lenient and the public health nurse is coming back to the schools . . . . Your daughters can avail themselves of the opportunity to get the vaccine at the second or third sitting, so contact the admin[istration] and get those consent forms . . . .”
Chatrani was speaking at a recent lecture on Cancers Below The Belt at the Grande Salle of the Central Bank, as part of the hospital’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
He reiterated the need for parents to “ignore what you see on the Internet” and research reputable sources.
Chatrani pointed to research showing that the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine which was required to enter primary school, had more side effects than the HPV vaccine.
“We can’t predict who will get the allergic reaction and if you get it, you won’t get the second or the third dose,” he stressed.
Chatrani later added that if done through private health providers, the cost of the vaccine was significant. Therefore, it was wise for Barbadians to take advantage of the Government’s investment.
“If you could prevent cervical cancer, you can save money and a life . . . . [It would also] help reduce the burden at the hospital and that can improve waiting times.”
Consultant urologist at the QEH, Dr Jeetu Nebhnani, also addressed the audience on the incidence and treatment of prostate cancer on the island. (LW)
