By Lara Holmes

Secretary of Health of Mexico, Solomon Chertorivski announced that starting next school year they will vaccinate against human papilloma virus (HPV) for all girls in fifth and sixth grade, in cervical cancer prevention.

This strategy, which means the beginning of universal HPV vaccine, will take place across the country from 2012-2013 school year beginning in August, said the official.

The manager of health policy said it is estimated that approximately one million 300 thousand girls will be the beneficiaries.

The application of the first dose will be held between August and September, the second six months after that and the third at five years, a period equivalent to 60 months after the second dose.

Chertorivski Solomon stated that the aim is to prevent cervical cancer, which affects young women of productive age, especially in the regions most vulnerable.