India is soon going to roll out the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program for 14-year-old girls, with the Union Health Ministry confirming that the vaccine will be administered free of cost in all States and Union Territories.
According to senior Health Ministry officials, the vaccination will be voluntary and administered exclusively through designated government health facilities to ensure safety, quality control and equitable access.
The programme will use Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18 which is responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases as well as types 6 and 11.
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"Global and Indian scientific evidence confirms that a single dose provides robust and durable protection when administered to girls in the recommended age group," a senior Health Ministry official said.
The nationwide rollout will target girls aged 14, a stage considered optimal for immunisation before potential exposure to the virus.
Procurement through global partnership
The Health Ministry said vaccine supplies have been secured through a transparent, globally supported procurement mechanism to ensure uninterrupted availability.
Under India’s partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Gardasil doses which are approved by India’s drug regulator and widely used internationally, have been made available for the national programme. Officials said procurement follows stringent quality and cold chain standards.
Vaccination sessions will be conducted at government facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, Sub-District and District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges.
Every session will be monitored by trained medical officers and healthcare teams prepared for post-vaccination observation and management of adverse events. All vaccination centers will be connected to 24×7 government health facilities for immediate medical assistance if needed.
Addressing India’s cervical cancer burden
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.
Scientific evidence shows that persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, particularly 16 and 18 that accounts for more than 80 per cent of cervical cancer cases in the country.
The Health Ministry said the programme aims to prevent HPV infection before it progresses to cancer, adding that vaccination is a key preventive measure alongside regular screening.
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HPV vaccines have been administered globally since 2006, with more than 500 million doses delivered worldwide. Studies indicate 93–100 per cent effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer caused by vaccine-covered HPV types.
More than 90 countries have adopted single-dose HPV vaccination schedules, reporting significant reductions in HPV infections and pre-cancerous lesions.
Officials said India’s strategy is aligned with global best practices and recommendations of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.
