India to Launch Free Nationwide HPV Vaccination for 14-Year-Old Girls

Union Health Ministry Rolls Out Cervical Cancer Prevention Drive

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is preparing to introduce a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme for 14-year-old girls. The vaccine will be voluntary and administered free of cost at government health institutions to ensure universal and equitable access. The initiative aims to reduce the high incidence of cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India.

Quadrivalent Vaccine Deployment

India will use Gardasil , which protects against HPV types 16 and 18—responsible for most cervical cancer cases—as well as types 6 and 11. Scientific research indicates that a single dose in adolescents provides sustained protection when administered before exposure to the virus.

Vaccine procurement has been facilitated through collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance , ensuring quality assurance, global standards compliance and robust cold chain maintenance.

Delivery Through Public Health Network

The immunisation drive will be conducted at government-run facilities such as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, District Hospitals and Government Medical Colleges. Each vaccination session will be supervised by trained medical personnel, with post-vaccination monitoring protocols in place.

All centres will be connected to 24×7 referral facilities to manage rare adverse events and maintain public trust.

Tackling Cervical Cancer Burden

Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Indian women, with approximately 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths annually. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains, particularly 16 and 18, accounts for the majority of cases.

Globally, more than 500 million HPV vaccine doses have been administered since 2006, demonstrating strong safety and efficacy. Over 90 countries now follow single-dose schedules to enhance coverage.

Important Facts for Exams

• HPV types 16 and 18 cause most cervical cancer cases.

• Gardasil is a non-live quadrivalent HPV vaccine.

• Gavi supports vaccine access and procurement globally.

• National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) guides vaccine policy in India.

By prioritising early immunisation, the programme adopts a preventive, evidence-based public health strategy to reduce long-term morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer.