Centre to Launch Free HPV Vaccine Drive for 14-Year-Old Girls

The Union government is set to launch a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls, aiming to reduce cases of cervical cancer across India.

According to official sources, the programme will use a single-dose Gardasil vaccine. This quadrivalent HPV vaccine protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for most cervical cancer cases, as well as types 6 and 11.

Special Campaign, Not Under UIP

The vaccination drive will be conducted as a special campaign and will not be part of the Universal Immunisation Programme.

Officials said the initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. Scientific evidence from India and abroad indicates that a single dose provides strong and long-lasting protection when administered at the recommended age.

Why Target 14-Year-Old Girls?

The programme will focus on girls aged 14, as vaccination at this age offers maximum preventive benefit before potential exposure to the virus.

Under the national programme, vaccination will be voluntary and provided free of cost. Authorities say this approach is aimed at ensuring equitable access across socio-economic groups.

In the private market, the quadrivalent Gardasil-4 vaccine typically requires two doses for girls below 15 years and three doses for those older. Each dose costs several thousand rupees. Under the government initiative, eligible girls will receive the vaccine free of charge.

Safety and Global Use

Officials highlighted that the vaccine has a strong safety record, with over 500 million doses administered globally since 2006.

More than 160 countries have included HPV vaccination in their national immunisation schedules, and over 90 countries are implementing single-dose schedules, according to sources.

Studies have shown that HPV vaccines are 93 to 100 per cent effective in preventing cervical cancer caused by the HPV types covered by the vaccine.

Cervical Cancer Burden in India

Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India. Data indicates that nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths are reported annually.

Medical evidence shows that almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, particularly types 16 and 18, which account for more than 80 per cent of cases in India.

Despite being largely preventable through vaccination and early screening, cervical cancer continues to pose a significant health burden.

Implementation and Access

The vaccination drive will be conducted at designated government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and primary health centres. All sites will be linked to 24/7 government facilities to ensure immediate medical support if needed.

Officials said vaccine supplies have been secured through a transparent procurement process. Under India’s partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Gardasil vaccines approved by India’s drug regulator have been made available for the programme.

Authorities have urged parents and guardians to ensure their eligible daughters receive the vaccine once the programme is rolled out.

The nationwide initiative is being described by officials as a major step toward improving women’s health and reducing preventable cancer deaths in the country.