Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, PIB: Main Content. Free HPV vaccination has been launched for 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years across the country. The aim is to prevent cervical cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in India.
A single dose of Gardasil-4 is 93% - 100% effective against HPV strains responsible for cervical cancer.
With this initiative, India joins more than 160 countries that have included HPV vaccination in their national immunization schedules.
Launch
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the nationwide HPV vaccination programme on 28 February 2026 in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The aim is to prevent cervical cancer in women.
After the national launch, all states and union territories launched the programme at their respective levels on the same day. Around 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years and above will be vaccinated free of cost at government health centres.
Those who will complete 15 years of age within 90 days of the launch will also be covered under this special three-month campaign. The 90-day intensive vaccination programme will be conducted daily. Thereafter, vaccination will be given on regular vaccination days.
Cervical cancer
It is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. In 2022, about 6.6 lakh new infections and about 3.5 lakh deaths were recorded. This cancer is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus.
In India, more than 1.2 lakh new infections and about 80,000 deaths occur every year. India accounts for about 25% of the total deaths due to cervical cancer in the world.
Almost all cases are caused by high-risk HPV types, especially types 16 and 18. These two types account for more than 80% of the cases in India. This cancer can be prevented if vaccinated on time.
Vaccine: Gardasil-4
Gardasil-4 is being used in the national program. It protects against HPV types 16 and 18. It is also effective against types 6 and 11.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of India has approved the vaccine. Strict quality and safety standards have been followed. The vaccine has been procured in partnership with GAVI through a transparent process.
GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, is a public-private partnership. It involves various governments, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank and other organizations.
Incidentally, at the age of 14, the vaccine is given before sexual activity.
Vaccination centers and safety
Vaccination is being done only at government health centers. There are effective cold storage facilities, trained doctors and internet connectivity.
Vaccination is usually done from 9 am to 2 pm. If necessary, it is also organized on holidays. It is advised not to have an empty stomach before getting vaccinated. After vaccination, they are kept under observation for 30 minutes.
Registration and Enrollment
Self-registration can be done on the U-WIN digital platform. Registration is possible with the help of a health worker or in person.
Vaccine stock and supply are monitored through the U-WIN system. Vaccination certificates are available online. Printed copies are provided if necessary. After vaccination in the three-month campaign, a mark is made on the left index finger.
Those who will not be vaccinated
If they have moderate or severe illness, they can be vaccinated after complete recovery.
If they have a yeast allergy or an allergic reaction to a previous vaccine, they will not be vaccinated.
Pregnant women are not included in this program.
If they are under 14 years of age, they are not included.
If they have previously been vaccinated with HPV, they will not be revaccinated.
Conclusion
More than 500 million doses of HPV vaccine have been administered worldwide since 2006. Gardasil-4 is 93 to 100% effective.
Through this program, India has taken a step forward in the international effort to eliminate cervical cancer.
Protecting women's health and strengthening families is part of the government's commitment. The program aims to build a health system based on prevention, protection and equity.