India to Launch Free HPV Vaccination Campaign for Girls Aged 14

Nationwide HPV Vaccination Initiative

The Union Health Ministry is preparing to initiate a nationwide campaign aimed at vaccinating girls aged 14 against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) later this February, as reported by a local news outlet citing anonymous sources.

This vaccination will be offered voluntarily and at no cost, according to another report.

In the first three months following the campaign's launch, girls aged 14 will have access to the HPV vaccine at government health facilities. After this initial period, they can schedule a vaccination appointment at their nearest health and wellness center through the U-win portal.

Each year, approximately 11 million girls reaching the age of 14 will qualify for this vaccine.

Officials indicated that the choice to administer the vaccine at age 14 was based on evidence showing that this age provides the most effective and lasting protection.

The vaccination program will utilize a single dose of Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are linked to cervical cancer. It also offers protection against types 6 and 11, which can cause genital warts and are less likely to lead to cancer.

India has secured its vaccine supply through a collaboration with Gavi, the global Vaccine Alliance, ensuring adherence to strict quality and cold chain standards, which allows the government to provide the vaccine free of charge to eligible girls across all states and Union Territories.

Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women in India, with around 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 fatalities reported annually.

In April, the health ministry commenced training for frontline workers following an announcement in the interim Budget in February 2024, which emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination for girls aged nine to 14.