90-day HPV vaccination drive begins across Ludhiana district
Campaign aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer
The district Health Department on Thursday launched a 90-day Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer, said officials.
The HPV virus is among the leading causes of cervical cancer among adolescent girls.
The campaign was officially inaugurated under the leadership of Dr Ramandeep Kaur, Civil Surgeon. She said that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, if timely vaccination and awareness are ensured.
She emphasised that the vaccine is a safe and highly effective preventive measure, and appealed to parents to come forward and ensure their daughters aged 14 to 15 years get the vaccine.
Dr Kaur said vaccinating girls can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer later in life. She added that participation of parents and the community is essential for the success of the important public health initiative.
Dr Harpreet Singh, District Immunisation Officer, said comprehensive arrangements are in place for a smooth implementation of the campaign. He said vaccination sessions are planned at 19 health facilities across the district to ensure that eligible beneficiaries can easily access the service.
He added that after receiving the vaccine, every beneficiary will be kept under observation for 30 minutes at the site as a precautionary and standard safety protocol, which is followed in all immunisation programmes.
Dr Rohit Rampal, Senior Medical Officer (SMO), Mother and Child Hospital, and Dr Akhil Sareen, SMO, Civil Hospital, were present at the launch. They said health teams have been mobilised across the district to ensure that all eligible girls receive the vaccine.
The vaccination campaign will be conducted at the District Hospital; Civil Hospital; sub-divisional hospitals in Khanna, Samrala, Raikot and Jagraon; community health centres in Sahnewal, Payal, Manupur, Pakhowal, Sidhwan Bet, Koom Kalan, Hathur, Machhiwara, Sudhar, Malaud and Dehlon; Urban Community Health Centres in Jawaddi and Shimlapuri; and MCH Vardhman.
Health authorities reiterated that the HPV vaccine is widely used across the world.
