Centre to roll out free HPV vaccination drive, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Union Health Ministry will launch a nationwide HPV vaccination program targeting girls aged 14.
• The vaccination will be voluntary, free of cost, and ensure equitable access.
• Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine, will be used to protect against HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11.
• Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, with nearly 80,000 new cases reported annually.
• The HPV vaccine has shown 93–100% effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer caused by vaccine-covered HPV types.

Detailed Insights:

• The HPV vaccination program aims to prevent HPV infection before it can progress to cervical cancer, addressing a significant health challenge for women in India.
• India secured HPV vaccine supplies through a transparent, globally supported procurement mechanism in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
• HPV vaccination will be conducted at designated government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres, and District Hospitals.
• Each vaccination session will be carried out by trained medical officers and healthcare teams, equipped for post-vaccination observation and management of any adverse events.
• Over 90 countries are implementing single-dose HPV vaccination schedules to improve coverage and affordability.

Key Concepts Involved:

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): A common viral infection that can cause cervical cancer and other diseases.
• Gardasil: A quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11.
• Cervical Cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, often caused by HPV.

HPV Vaccine Impact