The Department of Public Health and Social Services has announced that the human papillomavirus vaccine will be added to Guam’s required immunizations for school attendance beginning in School Year 2027–2028.

Under Guam law, the vaccine will become part of the list of required immunizations for students entering certain grade levels.

Implementation will begin in phases:

• School Year 2027–2028: required for students entering 6th, 9th, and 12th grades

• School Year 2028–2029: expanded to include 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th grades

Public Health says the advance notice gives parents, guardians, schools, and healthcare providers time to prepare before the requirement takes effect. Officials also noted that parents do not need to wait until their child reaches those grades to receive the vaccine. Students will simply need the appropriate number of doses for their age when the requirement begins.

DPHSS says the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to help prevent HPV-related diseases, including certain types of cancer, and is part of the department’s ongoing effort to protect the health of Guam’s youth.

For more information, contact the DPHSS Immunization Program at (671) 735-7143.