HPV vaccination coverage reaches 90% nationwide

HPV vaccinations have reached 90% coverage across Sri Lanka, following a setback caused by a global vaccine shortage a few years ago, the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit announced.

Coverage for both the first and second doses now exceeds 90%, reaching approximately 95%, as health authorities’ complete vaccination of children affected by the disruption.

A reduction in global HPV vaccine production caused shortages in 2023, leaving Sri Lanka without supplies for the programme that year. Vaccines arrived around April or May 2024 and reached districts towards the end of May.

Vaccination subsequently resumed for children who missed their doses in 2023 alongside those due for vaccination in 2024. The programme administers the vaccine to girls in Grade Six.

The six-month interval required between doses, together with scheduling around school holidays and term examinations, had affected the pace of vaccination supplies have remained available since the programme resumed.

The programme, introduced in 2017 to prevent cervical cancer, was meeting its international coverage target of 90%. Although authorities had not observed widespread resistance to HPV vaccination, misinformation and misconceptions circulating on social

media had discouraged some families from obtaining vaccines. He urged parents to ensure eligible children received their doses, stressing that high national coverage did not replace the protection each child received through vaccination. Those who had missed vaccination could obtain it free of charge.

Schools and health officials had continued educating mothers and children about vaccination, he said, calling for greater media awareness to encourage families to come forward.