More than 80 lakh girls have received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine under the Centre’s nationwide cervical cancer prevention campaign, the Union Health Ministry said on Sept 11.
Campaign Targets 14-Year-Old Girls
The nationwide HPV vaccination drive was launched on February 28 with a focus on vaccinating girls aged 14 years. The programme aims to expand protection against HPV infection, which is associated with cervical cancer.
Under the campaign, the single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine is being provided free of cost at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, primary and community health centres, sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges.
Vaccination Linked to Safety Monitoring
According to the ministry, vaccination is carried out in the presence of medical officers, with vaccination sites linked to 24×7 centres for managing adverse events following immunisation (AEFI).
Parental consent is required for vaccination, while participation remains voluntary. Eligible beneficiaries can also register through the U-WIN platform. Medical officers involved in the programme have been trained to respond to possible adverse events.
States Coordinate With Schools and Health Workers
Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha and Mizoram are among the states reporting significant progress in the campaign, the ministry said.
Health authorities are working with schools, local bodies and healthcare workers to facilitate access to vaccination. Parents and guardians have also been encouraged to support eligible girls in receiving the vaccine.
The operational guidelines for the HPV vaccination campaign have been shared with all states and Union Territories.
