HPV Vaccination Drive in Quintana Roo Targets School Children

Cancún, Q. Roo. – The Quintana Roo Ministry of Health is urging mothers, fathers, and guardians to vaccinate girls and boys, reporting that 27,000 doses against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) have been administered.

This preventive health measure contributes to the long-term prevention of cervical cancer. The most recent campaign involved a supply of 33,230 doses available from September 17 to December 15 of last year.

By the end of last year, the report indicated that 27,255 vaccines were administered in primary schools, health centers, and hospitals across Quintana Roo.

As part of the 2025 HPV vaccination campaign, a national strategy was established targeting girls and boys in the fifth grade of primary school and those aged 11 who are not enrolled in school, prior to the onset of sexual activity.

The campaign also included at-risk groups, specifically girls and adolescent women aged 9 to 19 receiving care under the sexual assault protocol (ideally within the first 72 hours) and people aged 11 to 49 living with HIV.

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in Quintana Roo emphasized that the health of the child and youth population is a priority, and preventive actions continue to be maintained to ensure a better future in terms of well-being and quality of life.

The application of the HPV vaccine aims for the long-term prevention of cervical cancer, explained the delegate coordinator of Public Health Nursing, Anabel Martínez Benítez.

Cervical cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the cervix, almost always caused by a persistent infection attributed to HPV, which is transmitted through sexual contact.

Some of its symptoms include abnormal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain that can be treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage.

The medical specialist detailed that HPV is one of the most common infections in adulthood; however, she emphasized that its prevention can begin in childhood and during the school stage.

“Since last year, the Mexican Social Security Institute has been providing the Human Papillomavirus vaccine to both girls and boys, and it is important that mom or dad give their authorization for this vaccine to be administered to your daughters and sons at school,” she mentioned.

This virus is capable of causing various diseases, including some types of cancer in adult life, she indicated.

Nevertheless, she recalled the existence of a safe and effective vaccine that significantly reduces the risk of developing these complications in the future.

For the vaccine to be administered in educational institutions, the participation of mothers and fathers is essential, as they must grant their consent.

The vaccine offered by IMSS is completely free, meets the highest quality standards, and has proven to be safe and effective internationally.

Vaccination during the school stage represents an investment in well-being, prevention, and quality of life, she highlighted.

The public servant reiterated the call to visit the nearest Family Medicine Unit to receive guidance and support regarding this and other vaccination schedules.