Himachal Pradesh Launches HPV Vaccination Drive for Girls Aged 14

Statewide HPV Vaccination Initiative

Munish Sood
Mandi

The National Health Mission of Himachal Pradesh is set to kick off a three-month HPV vaccination campaign starting March 29, 2026. This initiative aims to immunize girls aged 14 to prevent cervical cancer, with additional catch-up sessions available until June 21. The vaccinations will be administered exclusively at government health facilities that are equipped with the necessary cold chain infrastructure and trained personnel.

Focus on Adolescent Girls

Dr. Alok Sharma, a National Faculty member for HPV Vaccination, explained that this campaign is a targeted public health effort designed to safeguard young girls before they are exposed to the virus. He emphasized, "Cervical cancer can be nearly entirely prevented with timely vaccination. The single-dose HPV vaccine offers robust, long-lasting protection and has been scientifically shown to lower the risk of cervical cancer by over 90 percent."

Eligibility and Schedule

The vaccination drive will focus on girls who are 14 years old but have not yet turned 15, allowing for a special age extension of up to 15 years plus 90 days during the campaign. Eligible participants are those born between March 22, 2011, and June 21, 2012.

Vaccination dates are set for:
• March 29, 2026
• April 5, 2026
• April 12, 2026
• Additional sessions on April 19, May 10, May 24, and June 21.

Post-campaign, vaccinations will continue during routine immunization sessions at the same facilities.

Rationale for Targeting 14-Year-Old Girls

Dr. Sharma noted that the initial focus on this specific age group is due to global vaccine supply limitations. "Our goal is to prioritize girls nearing the upper age limit for eligibility to ensure they are protected first. Vaccinating at this age yields the strongest and most lasting immune response," he stated.

Cervical Cancer: A Global Health Concern

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. In 2022, there were approximately 662,000 new cases and 348,000 deaths globally.

In India, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with 79,103 new cases and 34,805 deaths reported in 2022. High-risk HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for nearly 83 percent of cervical cancer cases in the country, underscoring the importance of vaccination.

Vaccine Information and Safety

The vaccination campaign will utilize Gardasil-4, a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. It will be administered as a single 0.5 ml intramuscular injection in the left upper arm.

Dr. Sharma highlighted that over 500 million doses of HPV vaccines have been given worldwide since 2006, with extensive safety monitoring confirming the vaccine's high safety profile. Minor side effects, such as pain at the injection site or anxiety-related fainting, may occur, but serious reactions are exceedingly rare.

All vaccination sites in Himachal Pradesh will be equipped with anaphylaxis kits, and recipients will be monitored for 30 minutes post-vaccination to observe any immediate adverse reactions.

Registration and Monitoring Process

Girls can register for the vaccination through the U-WIN digital platform, either by self-registration by parents or onsite registration at vaccination centers. Consent will be recorded digitally.

Each vaccination site (Cold Chain Point) is linked to the nearest 24/7 health institution to manage any adverse events following immunization (AEFI). The state government will issue formal directives to ensure readiness for emergencies.

Collaboration with the Education Department

The Education Department has been tasked with several responsibilities, including:
• Discussing HPV vaccination during Parent-Teacher Meetings on February 28
• Sharing beneficiary lists with health officials
• Assisting in mobilizing girls to vaccination centers
• Supporting AEFI reporting as needed.

Exclusions from Vaccination

Vaccination will be deferred for individuals experiencing moderate or severe illness. Pregnant girls, those outside the eligible age range, or individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccine components will not be vaccinated. Girls who have previously received the vaccine will have their status recorded on U-WIN.

A Step Towards Cancer Prevention

Dr. Alok Sharma stated that this campaign represents a significant preventive measure for Himachal Pradesh. "Achieving high coverage in this age group could greatly diminish the cervical cancer burden in the future. This initiative is an investment in the health of upcoming generations," he remarked.

With collaborative efforts from both the Health and Education departments, Himachal Pradesh is gearing up for a well-structured and closely monitored HPV vaccination rollout aimed at the long-term elimination of cervical cancer as a public health issue.