Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Fact Check: Common Myths Around HPV Vaccine And How It Will Prevent Cervical Cancer

In a major push towards eliminating cervical cancer from India, Prime Minister <span>Narendra Modi</span> today launched the nationwide <span>Human Papillomavirus</span> (<span>HPV</span>) vaccination program for girls aged 14 years.

The new vaccination drive comes as cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India, with nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths reported annually. As per data from the ICMR-National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP), an estimated 78,499 new cases and 42,392 deaths were reported in 2024. 

Calling it a "decisive step”, the government noted that it is aimed at “strengthening the vision of ‘<em><span rel="noindex">swasth nari</span></em>’ (healthy women) while being rooted in scientific evidence, strict regulatory oversight and global best practices”. 

“India's vaccination drive reflects safety, responsibility, and long-term commitment to women’s health,” it added. 

The national program will use <span>Gardasil</span>, a quadrivalent <span>HPV vaccine</span> that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11. 

However, social media has been rife with concerns around the safety of the vaccine, its impact on women’s reproductive health, among others. 

<h2>HPV Vaccine: The Myths And Facts </h2>

<h3>Myth: HPV vaccines can cause severe side effects and even death. </h3>

Fact: The HPV vaccines come with a “confirmed strong safety record”. 

“Extensive global monitoring shows a strong safety profile supported by scientific reviews. Independent evaluations have found no causal link between vaccination and chronic harm, strengthening confidence in its continued use worldwide,” the government said. 

The vaccine has been licensed in India since 2008, and the new rollout follows recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and approvals from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI). 

“HPV vaccines have been given to hundreds of millions globally. Extensive post-marketing surveillance shows an excellent safety profile, with no causal link to serious adverse outcomes. The evidence is robust, transparent, and reassuring,” Dr. CS Pramesh, Director of the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, shared in a post on the social media platform X. 

<h3>Myth: The HPV vaccine has never been used in India </h3>

Fact: The vaccine has been in use in India. It has been administered for years since 2008 with successful implementation in states like Punjab, Sikkim, and Tamil Nadu. 

<h3>Myth: HPV vaccination does not prevent cervical cancer</h3>

Fact: The HPV vaccine has been proven to prevent cervical cancer

Studies show a 65 percent drop in cervical cancer cases among US women between 2012 and 2019 and an 88-89 percent reduction in precancerous lesions among Scottish women over a decade. 

Countries with early HPV vaccine adoption have also shown large declines in HPV infection, high-grade cervical lesions, and cervical cancer incidence. 

"Even when considering the rarest side effects, HPV vaccines are overwhelmingly safe. The protection they offer against cervical cancer far outweighs the minimal risks. Parents are encouraged to vaccinate their daughters on time," said Dr. Neena Malhotra, Professor and Head of Department, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AIIMS New Delhi on X. 

<h3>Myths: Are Multiple Doses Needed? </h3>

Fact: A single dose of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine is effective. It provides strong protection against HPV infection. It helps prevent cervical cancer. 

“Strong global and Indian scientific evidence confirms that a single dose provides robust and durable protection when administered to girls in the recommended age group," the government said.

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In a major push towards eliminating cervical cancer from India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program for girls aged 14 years. The new vaccination drive comes as cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India, with nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths reported annually. As per data from the ICMR-National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP), an estimated 78,499 new cases and 42,392 deaths were reported in 2024. Calling it a "decisive step”, the government noted that it is aimed at “strengthening the vision of ‘swasth nari’ (healthy women) while being rooted in scientific evidence, strict regulatory oversight and global best practices”. “India's vaccination drive reflects safety, responsibility, and long-term commitment to women’s health,” it added. The national program will use Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11. However, social media has been rife with concerns around the safety of the vaccine, its impact on women’s reproductive health, among others. HPV Vaccine: The Myths And Facts  Myth: HPV vaccines can cause severe side effects and even death. Fact: The HPV vaccines come with a “confirmed strong safety record”. “Extensive global monitoring shows a strong safety profile supported by scientific reviews. Independent evaluations have found no causal link between vaccination and chronic harm, strengthening confidence in its continued use worldwide,” the government said. The vaccine has been licensed in India since 2008, and the new rollout follows recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and approvals from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI). “HPV vaccines have been given to hundreds of millions globally. Extensive post-marketing surveillance shows an excellent safety profile, with no causal link to serious adverse outcomes. The evidence is robust, transparent, and reassuring,” Dr. CS Pramesh, Director of the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, shared in a post on the social media platform X.  Myth: The HPV vaccine has never been used in India Fact: The vaccine has been in use in India. It has been administered for years since 2008 with successful implementation in states like Punjab, Sikkim, and Tamil Nadu. Myth: HPV vaccination does not prevent cervical cancer Fact: The HPV vaccine has been proven to prevent cervical cancerStudies show a 65 percent drop in cervical cancer cases among US women between 2012 and 2019 and an 88-89 percent reduction in precancerous lesions among Scottish women over a decade. Countries with early HPV vaccine adoption have also shown large declines in HPV infection, high-grade cervical lesions, and cervical cancer incidence. "Even when considering the rarest side effects, HPV vaccines are overwhelmingly safe. The protection they offer against cervical cancer far outweighs the minimal risks. Parents are encouraged to vaccinate their daughters on time," said Dr. Neena Malhotra, Professor and Head of Department, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AIIMS New Delhi on X.  Myths: Are Multiple Doses Needed? Fact: A single dose of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine is effective. It provides strong protection against HPV infection. It helps prevent cervical cancer. “Strong global and Indian scientific evidence confirms that a single dose provides robust and durable protection when administered to girls in the recommended age group," the government said.