Parents are being encouraged to have children between the ages of nine and 14 vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), as the vaccine can protect them against several cancers and other diseases later in life.

Medical Officer of Health for Westmoreland, Dr Marcia Graham, made the appeal while addressing the monthly meeting of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation recently.

“One dose can protect against future cervical cancer, genital warts, and even cancer of the genital area. So we want us to take care of our children and make sure we give them the opportunity to be protected against future cancer and other diseases,” she urged.