India To Soon Launch Free HPV Vaccine For Adolescent Girls

In a landmark decision aiming to prevent cervical cancer, the Centre is set to include the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP). The HPV drive, targeting girls turning 14 years, will be conducted as a special campaign and tracked through the U-WIN digital platform, Times of India reported. The vaccination will be voluntary and available free of cost at government health centres.

India will use Gardasil, the HPV vaccine manufactured by American multinational pharmaceutical Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD). It is a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, as well as 6 and 11.

Cervical cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer among women in the country and the second most common cancer. According to a report, nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths occur annually due to cervical cancer.

The vaccination programme will be executed with support from Gavi. The Vaccine Alliance has committed 2.6 crore doses, of which 1.5 crore have already been delivered.

The vaccination programme is scheduled to be conducted at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, Sub-District and District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges under the supervision of trained Medical Officers. In case of any adverse events, teams for post-vaccination observation and management will be on standby. The vaccination sites are also going to be linked with 24x7 government health facilities, which will ensure quick medical support and reinforcement of safety.

It may be mentioned that during the 2024 Budget session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced that the government will add HPV to the immunisation programme and encourage girls aged 9 to 14 years for vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.

As of now, the vaccine is available at private hospitals, costing up to Rs 4,000 for a single dose.