India’s HPV Vaccination Drive Gains Momentum, Lakhs of Girls Covered in First Month The Indian government reported significant early progress in its nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program just over a month after its launch, with hundreds of thousands of 14-year-old girls already receiving the vaccine across various states. The initiative, which began on February 28, 2026, aims to immunize approximately 1.2 crore eligible girls across all states and union territories. The single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine is being provided free of cost at government health facilities, including primary health centers, community health centers, sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges. This ensures access to even remote and underserved regions. The Union Health Ministry emphasized that the vaccination drive is conducted under strict medical supervision, with all vaccination sites linked to 24/7 adverse events following immunization (AEFI) management centers to address any complications promptly. The program remains voluntary, requiring parental consent before administering the vaccine. Following the initial three-month campaign period, the vaccine will continue to be available as part of routine immunization services, ensuring sustained coverage beyond the campaign phase. The government has adopted a comprehensive strategy to combat cervical cancer, combining vaccination with screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment to reduce the disease burden among women. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, highlighted these efforts in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, underscoring the government’s commitment to scaling preventive healthcare interventions across the country.#cervical_cancer #india #union_health_ministry #anupriya_patel #hpv_vaccination_drive
