Parents oppose HPV vaccination in Western Region

Some parents in the Western Region are refusing to allow their daughters to receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, raising concerns among health authorities about the success of the new immunisation campaign.

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, health officials began mass registration in basic schools across the region.

The vaccine rollout is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, October 8, to Sunday, October 12, targeting girls aged 9 to 14.

However, visits to schools in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality revealed growing resistance.

Some parents, still haunted by what they described as negative experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations, have asked school authorities to exclude their children from the exercise.

At Archbishop Porter Basic School, officials invited parents to sign consent forms before their children could receive the vaccine.

Despite this effort, several parents remain sceptical and have reportedly refused to participate.

In response, school heads have been summoned to a consultative meeting on Thursday, October 9, where members of the Parent Associations are also expected to attend.

The vaccine, which provides lifelong protection against cervical cancer, is a new addition to Ghana’s routine immunisation programme.

Despite the resistance, Nicholas Asare Adomako, Western Regional Coordinator of the Expanded Immunisation Program, remains optimistic.

“We have deployed 96 teams for urban areas and 161 for rural communities. Each team is aiming to reach 300 girls daily. Even after this main round, there will be a mop-up to ensure no eligible girl is left behind,” he said.

Health officials hope to vaccinate over 148,000 girls in the region, but say misinformation and fear could derail that target if not addressed quickly.