In Northern Cyprus, HPV vaccination of children has begun in public schools

In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a program to vaccinate children against the human papillomavirus (HPV) has been launched in public schools. This was announced by Minister of Health Hakan Dinçyürek, who emphasized that vaccination is carried out exclusively on a voluntary basis and only with parental consent.

According to the minister, the program was introduced in response to high public demand and is based on scientific evidence. The vaccine is aimed at preventing cervical cancer and a number of other HPV-related diseases. Currently, vaccination covers children aged 13: the first stage was carried out in 2025, and the second dose is now being administered.

The Ministry of Health sends special consent forms to parents through the Primary Health Care Directorate. Only after written permission from the family can a child be vaccinated. Dinçyürek separately noted that the vaccine is not mandatory, and each family has the right to refuse participation in the program.

The program is being implemented in public schools in coordination with the Ministry of Education and is carried out under medical supervision.

Gynecologist and National Unity Party MP Faiz Sucuoğlu described the HPV vaccine as a safe and effective preventive measure. According to him, the vaccine has been used for many years in developed countries and has proven its effectiveness in reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

Sucuoğlu emphasized that the vaccine is most effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity, which is why adolescence is considered the optimal age. He also noted that no serious side effects have been recorded over the years of vaccine use and urged parents not to succumb to misinformation.

Medical professionals remind that HPV is an extremely common virus that can affect both women and men, and vaccination is one of the most effective methods of prevention.