THE Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday urged parents to have their children vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) as early as age 9. ​In a radio interview, the DOH said free HPV vaccinations are available for young girls and stressed that the vaccine is most effective for those who have not yet had sexual contact. ​The agency currently provides free HPV vaccines for 9-year-old girls. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa urged parents to take advantage of the program, noting that three doses of the HPV vaccine can cost up to P24,000. ​Herbosa noted, however, that despite the availability of free vaccination, only about 70 percent of parents have agreed to have their daughters immunized. ​The agency cited the country’s conservative upbringing as a factor contributing to parents’ hesitation to have their children vaccinated. ​”We need to convince more parents to have their young girls be vaccinated,” Herbosa said. ​He cited the success of Australia and Canada in reducing cervical cancer cases after implementing widespread HPV vaccination programs. ​”They did this in Australia and Canada; the cases of cervical cancer declined, and they also included the boys, so much so that gynecologists have no cases anymore,” he said. ​The DOH also clarified that HPV vaccines can still be administered to individuals who have already had sexual contact, while stressing the importance of HPV testing and screening.