Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha, and Mizoram leading in HPV vaccination
The Nationwide free HPV vaccination campaign was launched on February 28 setting a target of vaccinating approximately 1.2 crore eligible beneficiary girls aged 14 years across all 36 States and Union Territories
Senior officials have said that states including Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha, and Mizoram are leading from the front in the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign.
Within just a fortnight of its launch, nearly 3 lakh girls aged 14 years have already been vaccinated.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine plays a vital role in preventing cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women.
“The campaign has been strategically rolled out during the academic period, and while examinations are currently underway in many regions, the response has remained strong. With the conclusion of the exam season approaching, the momentum of the vaccination drive is expected to accelerate significantly, enabling wider coverage and ensuring that more girls benefit from this life-saving intervention,” officials said.
The nationwide free HPV vaccination campaign was launched on February 28, setting a target of vaccinating approximately 1.2 crore eligible beneficiary girls, aged 14 years, across all 36 states, including union territories.
The single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine is administered free of cost at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs- Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Sub-District Hospitals/District Hospitals & Government Medical Colleges across all areas including rural and underserved area.
After the campaign duration of three-months, the vaccine will continue to be available on routine immunisation days.
The vaccines are being administered in the presence of medical officers and the vaccination sites are linked to 24x7 adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) management centres for prompt management of adverse events, if any. HPV vaccination is voluntary and parental consent is mandatory before administration of the vaccine.
