The Union government will soon launch a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program for girls to eliminate preventable cancer in women. According to PTI, the program will use a single injection of Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11.
Special nationwide vaccination campaign
The nationwide program will target girls as young as 14, the age at which the HPV vaccine offers maximum preventive benefit, long before potential exposure to the virus.
Read also | Breaking down common misconceptions about the HPV vaccine
The reason would be a special vaccination campaign and not as part of the government’s General Immunization Program. This is in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization, which identifies HPV vaccination as a central pillar of the Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer.
Cervical cancer in women
Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India, with nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths annually, according to the data.
Scientific evidence shows that almost all cases of cervical cancer are due to persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV types 16 and 18, which together account for more than 80 percent of cervical cancer cases in India.
Read also | Doctors warn: Waiting for cervical cancer symptoms can be risky
“Strong global and Indian scientific evidence confirms that a single dose provides strong and sustained protection when administered to girls in the recommended age group,” an official source told PTI.
Vaccination under the national program will be voluntary and free of charge, ensuring equal access across socio-economic groups.
“By prioritizing prevention at the right age, the program is expected to provide lifelong protection and significantly reduce the future burden of cervical cancer in the country,” the source added.
the Gardasil vaccine
On the open market, the quadrivalent Gardasil-4 is a two-dose vaccine – each one costs ₹3,927 — for girls under 15 years of age. Three doses of the vaccine are required for those over 15 years of age. The Gardasil-4 vaccine is manufactured by MSD India.
The vaccine has an excellent safety record, supported by more than 500 million doses administered worldwide since its introduction in 2006. Widespread vaccination has led to substantial reductions in HPV infection, precancerous lesions and cervical cancer in several countries. Once the vaccination program is launched, India will join 160 countries that have introduced HPV vaccination in their national vaccination schedules. More than 90 countries are implementing single-dose HPV vaccination schedules, the source said.
How effective are HPV vaccines?
HPV vaccines are among the most extensively studied vaccines worldwide, with evidence showing 93 to 100% effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer caused by the types of HPV covered by the vaccine.
“The upcoming nationwide rollout (of the vaccination program) is a major milestone towards achieving the ‘Swastha Nari’ vision to ensure that prevention, protection and equity form the basis of women’s healthcare in the country,” an official source said.
Read also | An Indian study found that one dose of HPV is enough to prevent cervical cancer
The drive will be conducted at designated government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres).
All vaccination sites will be linked to 24/7 government health facilities, ensuring immediate medical support and enhancing parental safety and confidence.
(With agency inputs)
Key things
- HPV vaccination will be free and voluntary and ensure access for different socio-economic groups.
- Cervical cancer is a major health problem in India with significant mortality, which highlights the need for preventive measures.
- The use of the single-dose vaccine in the program complies with global health standards and has shown effective results in other countries.
