- Prime Minister Modi launched the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls in Ajmer
- The campaign aims to prevent cervical cancer using the Gardasil 4 single-dose vaccine
- Approximately 1.15 crore girls will be vaccinated annually free of cost across India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 years today (February 28) from Rajasthan's Ajmer. PM Modi said, "Today, I have had the opportunity to launch the HPV vaccine campaign from Ajmer. This campaign will make the girls of this country strong.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “This initiative aims to prevent cervical cancer."
HPV Vaccine
During the campaign, single-shot Gardasil 4, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18 which cause cervical cancer as well as types 6 and 11, will be administered. The programme will target approximately 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years every year across all States and Union Territories. The vaccine will be provided free of cost at designated Government health facilities.
Also Read: Doctor Explains The Silent Link Between HPV And Tonsil Cancer In Men
The campaign will run in mission mode over a three-month period, during which eligible girls can receive the vaccine daily at designated facilities. Thereafter, the vaccine will continue to be available on routine immunization days. Vaccination will be conducted at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, Sub-District and District Hospitals as well as Government Medical Colleges and Hospitals.
Each session will be supervised by trained Medical Officers, supported by skilled healthcare teams. All sites will have functional Cold Chain Points (CCPs) and will be linked to 24*7 government health facilities to ensure immediate medical support and management of any rare Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI). Vaccination will be voluntary and informed consent from parents/guardians will be obtained prior to administration. With the launch of the programme, India will join more than 160 countries that have already introduced HPV vaccinations.
Cervical Cancer And Its Link To HPV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection. Almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms, says the World Health Organization (WHO). The infection usually resolves on its own without treatment. However, in some cases, the infection might progress to cause cancer.
Nearly 80% of cervical cancer cases are usually caused by high-risk HPV, particularly types 16 and 18. WHO says cancers from HPV can be prevented with vaccines.
Why Is Age 14 Crucial?
The vaccine offers the highest preventive benefit when given before exposure to the virus. Vaccinating girls at age 14 ensures protection before potential infection, leading to long-lasting immunity and a significant reduction in future cervical cancer risk. Global and Indian studies reviewed by health authorities show strong and durable protection when the vaccine is administered in this age group
Read More: Protection At Every Age: Doctor Explains Why The HPV Vaccine Matters
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
