HPV vaccine doesn't cause infertility or conflict with religious obligations: DGHS
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Authorities clarified on Wednesday that the HPV vaccine, designed to prevent cervical cancer, does not cause infertility and is not in conflict with religious obligations, amidst spreading misinformation.
“HPV vaccination has nothing to do with infertility. Additionally, there is no negative correlation between religious practices and vaccination activities. We all need to come together from our respective positions to combat such rumours and propaganda,” said Prof. Dr. Md Abu Zafar, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), at a press briefing held at DGHS.
During a vaccination programme at a centre, two female students suddenly fell ill after receiving the vaccine. Following their illness, several other female students also became unwell and were admitted to the Upazila Health Complex on Tuesday.
Currently, all of them have recovered and been discharged from the hospital. It was noted that five female students were admitted but had not received the vaccination. Initially, the illness was thought to be a case of mass psychogenic illness.
Additionally, a committee has been formed to investigate this incident, he explained.
He also mentioned that it is common for a very small number of negative reactions to occur after any vaccination; however, these typically resolve quickly with rest.
The HPV vaccination target for this year is 6.2 million, with 1.8 million vaccinated as of October 29.
So far, only 271 people in seven divisions have reported symptoms such as fever and pain, which is considered insignificant in terms of numbers.
The HPV vaccine used in this programme in Bangladesh is manufactured in Belgium. This vaccine is utilized in 140 countries worldwide, including 14 Muslim countries.
Continuing this effort, the HPV Vaccination Campaign-2024 began on October 24, 2024, aiming to provide highly effective and safe HPV vaccinations to all adolescent girls aged 10-14 years in the remaining seven divisions and eight city corporation areas.