Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

India to Soon Launch Free HPV Vaccine For Young Girls To Prevent Cervical Cancer

India is planning to launch a free nationwide Human Papillomavirus (<span>HPV</span>) <span>vaccination</span> program to strengthen women’s health and eliminate preventable cervical cancers in the country, official sources said today.

Human Papillomavirus is a group of common viruses, some types of which are transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, and lead to <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cervical-cancer">cervical cancer</a></span>.

The special vaccination program aims to protect adolescent girls against cervical <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> -- one of the most common yet preventable cancers affecting women in India. 

The vaccine will be administered to adolescent girls aged 14, free of cost, at government health centers.

"The Government urges parents and guardians across the country to come forward and ensure that their 14-year-old daughters are vaccinated against HPV once the program is rolled out," the sources said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/us-fdas-new-framework-calls-for-speeding-up-approvals-for-rare-disease-therapies-article-153681445" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">US FDA's New Framework Calls For Speeding Up Approvals For Rare Disease Therapies</a>

"HPV vaccination is a powerful, preventive step that can save lives. By choosing vaccination, parents can secure a healthier, cancer-free future for their daughters," they added.

<h2><span rel="noindex">HPV Vaccine</span>: Who Can Take It, Where To Get It From</h2>

The nationwide program, based on expert recommendations of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), will target girls aged 14 years. 

At 14, the HPV vaccine offers maximum preventive benefit, well before potential exposure to the virus.

"By prioritising 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 sources said.

Vaccination under the national program will be voluntary and free of cost.

The HPV vaccination will be conducted exclusively at designated government health facilities, including <span>Ayushman Arogya Mandirs</span> (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, Sub-District and District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges. 

The vaccine to be used is non-live and does not cause <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/hpv-infection">HPV infection</a></span>. It is supported by more than 500 million doses administered globally since its introduction in 2006. 

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

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/fact-check-should-you-change-your-underwear-in-every-6-months-article-153681441" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Fact Check: Should You Change Your Underwear In Every 6 Months?</a> 

The new program also aligns with the recommendations of the <span>World Health Organization</span>, which identifies HPV vaccination as a central pillar of the Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer.

More than 90 countries worldwide are implementing single-dose HPV vaccination schedules. And about  160 countries worldwide have already introduced HPV vaccination into their national immunization schedules. 

"Several countries have already demonstrated substantial reductions in HPV infection, precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer incidence following widespread vaccinations," the sources said. 

<h2>Cervical Cancer: A Public Health Challenge in India </h2>

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.

According to scientific evidence, almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV types 16 and 18.

In India, HPV types 16 and 18 together account for more than 80 percent of cervical cancer cases.

Although cervical cancer is preventable with vaccination and early screening, it continues to impose a heavy burden on women and families. 

The impending vaccination program will help prevent the risk of HPV infection before it can progress to cancer.

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India is planning to launch a free nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program to strengthen women’s health and eliminate preventable cervical cancers in the country, official sources said today. Human Papillomavirus is a group of common viruses, some types of which are transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, and lead to cervical cancer.The special vaccination program aims to protect adolescent girls against cervical cancer -- one of the most common yet preventable cancers affecting women in India. The vaccine will be administered to adolescent girls aged 14, free of cost, at government health centers."The Government urges parents and guardians across the country to come forward and ensure that their 14-year-old daughters are vaccinated against HPV once the program is rolled out," the sources said.Also Read: US FDA's New Framework Calls For Speeding Up Approvals For Rare Disease Therapies"HPV vaccination is a powerful, preventive step that can save lives. By choosing vaccination, parents can secure a healthier, cancer-free future for their daughters," they added.HPV Vaccine: Who Can Take It, Where To Get It FromThe nationwide program, based on expert recommendations of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), will target girls aged 14 years. At 14, the HPV vaccine offers maximum preventive benefit, well before potential exposure to the virus. "By prioritising 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 sources said.Vaccination under the national program will be voluntary and free of cost. The HPV vaccination will be conducted exclusively at designated government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, Sub-District and District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges. The vaccine to be used is non-live and does not cause HPV infection. It is supported by more than 500 million doses administered globally since its introduction in 2006. "India’s 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. 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 sources said.Also Read: Fact Check: Should You Change Your Underwear In Every 6 Months? The new program also aligns with the recommendations of the World Health Organization, which identifies HPV vaccination as a central pillar of the Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer.More than 90 countries worldwide are implementing single-dose HPV vaccination schedules. And about  160 countries worldwide have already introduced HPV vaccination into their national immunization schedules. "Several countries have already demonstrated substantial reductions in HPV infection, precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer incidence following widespread vaccinations," the sources said. Cervical Cancer: A Public Health Challenge in India 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. According to scientific evidence, almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV types 16 and 18.In India, HPV types 16 and 18 together account for more than 80 percent of cervical cancer cases. Although cervical cancer is preventable with vaccination and early screening, it continues to impose a heavy burden on women and families. The impending vaccination program will help prevent the risk of HPV infection before it can progress to cancer.