The Government of Guam’s Department of Public Health and Social Services announced Thursday that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine will be added to the list of required immunizations for students attending school beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.
According to a press release from the department, the requirement will be implemented in phases and applies to students entering specific grade levels during the initial rollout.
For the 2027–2028 school year, the vaccine will be required for students entering sixth, ninth and 12th grades. The requirement will expand the following school year.
During the 2028–2029 academic year, the HPV vaccine requirement will also apply to students entering seventh, eighth, 10th and 11th grades.
The Department of Public Health and Social Services said the timeline is intended to provide advance notice to parents, guardians, school officials and healthcare providers so they have adequate time to prepare for the new policy.
The requirement is being implemented under 10 Guam Code Annotated, Health and Safety, Chapter 3, Article 1, §3322(a)(3)(c), which allows the department to add immunizations required for school attendance.
Health officials said families do not need to wait until their child reaches the required grade level to receive the vaccine.
“Children will need the number of doses appropriate for their age at the time of implementation in accordance with the current American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule,” the department stated.
Public health officials said the HPV vaccine plays a role in preventing diseases associated with the virus.
“The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective tool in reducing the risk of HPV-related diseases, including certain types of cancer,” the department said.
Officials said the policy reflects ongoing efforts to protect the health of Guam’s youth through preventive public health measures.
Residents seeking more information about the new school vaccine requirement can contact the DPHSS Immunization Program at (671) 735-7143.