With the launch, India will join over 160 countries that have included HPV vaccination in their national immunisation schedules.

Centre to Roll Out Nationwide HPV Vaccination for 14-Year-Old Girls to Prevent Cervical Cancer

To boost women’s health and prevent cervical cancer, the Centre is set to launch a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme. The initiative aims to protect adolescent girls from one of the most common yet preventable cancers in India.

The programme follows World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which recommend HPV vaccination as a key measure to eliminate cervical cancer. India’s national programme will use Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11. Officials said a single dose provides strong and lasting protection for girls in the recommended age group.

With the launch, India will join over 160 countries that have included HPV vaccination in their national immunisation schedules. Globally, more than 90 countries now offer single-dose HPV vaccination, improving both coverage and affordability.

The programme will focus on girls aged 14, a stage where vaccination offers the highest preventive benefit before potential exposure to the virus. Vaccination will be voluntary and free, ensuring access for all socio-economic groups.

HPV vaccination will be administered at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, community and district hospitals, and medical colleges, under trained medical teams. Sites will have arrangements for post-vaccination monitoring and linkages to 24×7 government health services for immediate support.

According to ICMR data, cervical cancer caused an estimated 35,691 deaths in 2023, remaining the second most common cancer among Indian women. Vaccination helps prevent HPV infection before it progresses to cancer, offering a safe and effective preventive measure.

Source: The Tribune