Why in news?

The Union government is preparing to launch a nationwide single-dose HPV vaccination drive targeting 14-year-old girls to curb cervical cancer in India.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, and nearly 90% of cases are caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Since HPV-related cancers are vaccine-preventable, widespread immunisation can significantly reduce disease burden.

Beyond cervical cancer, HPV vaccination can also lower the incidence of anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and throat cancers. The campaign is therefore a major public health step toward reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality in India.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• HPV Vaccination Drive: Eligibility and Rollout Plan
• HPV Vaccination Drive: Vaccine Choice and Supply
• Is a Single Dose of the HPV Vaccine Sufficient
• Why the HPV Vaccination Campaign Matters?
• Is This India’s First HPV Immunisation Programme?

HPV Vaccination Drive: Eligibility and Rollout Plan

• The HPV vaccine targets a common sexually transmitted infection, with certain strains responsible for cervical and other cancers.
• Vaccination during early adolescence — before sexual activity begins — provides stronger and longer-lasting immunity.
• The upcoming 90-day nationwide campaign will offer a single-dose HPV vaccine to all 14-year-old girls across India.
• Eligible beneficiaries must book appointments at government health centres through the U-Win digital platform, similar to the Co-Win system used during the Covid-19 vaccination drive.
• After the initial campaign phase, HPV vaccination will continue under the routine immunisation programme at health and wellness centres.
• Each year, around 1.15 crore girls turning 14 will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

HPV Vaccination Drive: Vaccine Choice and Supply

• Types of HPV and Cancer Risk - There are at least 14 cancer-causing HPV strains, with types 16 and 18 responsible for nearly 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. HPV vaccines prevent infection from the most common high-risk strains.
• Vaccine Being Used: Gardasil - For the current nationwide campaign, the government will use Gardasil, manufactured by MSD Pharmaceuticals. The vaccine has established global efficacy and safety data.
• Why Not the Indigenous Vaccine Yet?
  • India’s locally developed vaccine, Cervavac by the Serum Institute of India, is not being used at present because:
    • It is awaiting WHO approval.
    • The ICMR is still evaluating its effectiveness as a single-dose vaccine.
  • Officials indicate that a shift to Cervavac may occur in about two years, once regulatory approvals are completed.
• Role of GAVI and Supply Plan
  • The GAVI Vaccine Alliance will supply 2.6 crore doses to India for the campaign, sufficient for two years.
  • One crore doses have already arrived.
  • The remaining doses will be delivered over this year and the next.

Is a Single Dose of the HPV Vaccine Sufficient

• In 2022, the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization recommended a single-dose HPV vaccine for girls and women up to 20 years of age, citing strong and lasting protection.
• The group found “strikingly high efficacy” among children aged 9–14 years.
• Women above 21 are advised to take two doses six months apart, while immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV, should ideally receive three doses — or at least two if three are not feasible.

Why the HPV Vaccination Campaign Matters?

• India’s High Cervical Cancer Burden - India accounts for nearly 20% of global cervical cancer cases. Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Indian women, affecting about 1.25 lakh women and causing 75,000 deaths annually.
• Proven Effectiveness of the HPV Vaccine - Research initially showed that the HPV vaccine prevents infection and pre-cancerous lesions. Subsequent studies confirmed that it significantly lowers cervical cancer incidence.
• Indirect Protection (Herd Immunity) - Vaccinating girls also reduces transmission of HPV to boys, protecting them against other HPV-related cancers and strengthening community-level immunity.
• Global Evidence: The Australia Example
  • Australia introduced HPV vaccination in 2007 (and extended it to boys in 2013). Within a decade:
    • HPV prevalence among young women dropped from 22.7% to 1.5%.
    • Among older unvaccinated women, it fell from 11.8% to 1.1%.
  • This demonstrates strong direct and indirect protection effects.
• Long-Term Public Health Gains
  • Although cervical cancer rates in India are gradually declining, widespread HPV vaccination could dramatically reduce mortality and ease pressure on healthcare systems, allowing better focus on other cancers.
  • Since the first HPV vaccine approval in 2006, nearly 158 countries have introduced national immunisation programmes, underscoring its global public health importance.

Is This India’s First HPV Immunisation Programme?

• The upcoming nationwide campaign is not India’s first HPV vaccination effort. Several states have previously introduced targeted immunisation programmes.
• State-Level Initiatives
  • Sikkim (2018) - Sikkim became the first state to launch a statewide HPV vaccination drive in 2018, achieving over 95% coverage for the recommended two doses.
  • Punjab (2016) - Punjab initiated its programme in Mansa and Bhatinda districts, later expanding to other high-burden areas. The initial phase recorded more than 97% coverage.
  • Delhi (2016) - Delhi launched vaccination through the Delhi State Cancer Institute. However, the programme saw limited uptake as beneficiaries had to visit the hospital to receive the vaccine.