India has taken a significant step in the fight against cervical cancer with the launch of the HPV vaccination programme India news, a nationwide public health initiative aimed at protecting young girls from one of the most preventable forms of cancer. The HPV vaccination programme launched by Narendra Modi on February 28, 2026, marks an important milestone in India's healthcare policy and cancer prevention strategy.

The Human Papillomavirus vaccine India programme is designed to reduce the risk of cervical cancer prevention vaccine India efforts by targeting adolescent girls before exposure to the virus. Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India, and the government hopes that widespread immunisation will dramatically reduce the burden of the disease over the coming decades.

The launch ceremony took place in Ajmer, Rajasthan, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally initiated the programme that will be implemented across all states and union territories. This initiative places India among the countries that have adopted large-scale HPV vaccine India latest news programmes to tackle cancer prevention through vaccination.

What is HPV and Why It Matters

The Human Papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is a group of viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes. Some strains of HPV are harmless, but others can lead to serious health conditions including cervical cancer, genital warts, throat cancer, anal cancer and penile cancer.

Among the many strains of the virus, HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for nearly 70 percent of cervical cancer cases worldwide. This is why vaccination against HPV is considered one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer.

Doctors say that the HPV vaccine Gardasil India news coverage is important because the vaccine prevents infection before exposure to the virus. Since HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, vaccinating adolescents before adulthood provides the best protection.

Which HPV Vaccine is Being Used in India

According to government announcements regarding the HPV vaccination programme February 2026 India, the vaccine being used in the national drive is Gardasil, a well-known quadrivalent HPV vaccine.

The Gardasil vaccine protects against four strains of the virus:

• HPV type 16

• HPV type 18

• HPV type 6

• HPV type 11

While HPV types 16 and 18 are linked to cervical cancer, types 6 and 11 are responsible for genital warts. By targeting all four strains, the vaccine offers broader protection against HPV-related diseases.

Experts say the HPV vaccine India latest news programme has chosen Gardasil because it has long-term global data supporting its effectiveness and immune response.

India also has its own HPV vaccine called Cervavac, developed domestically. However, doctors say that the government has currently selected Gardasil for the national programme because there is more long-term evidence available on single-dose protection.

Who Can Take the HPV Vaccine

One of the most common questions surrounding the HPV vaccine eligibility India girls 9 to 45 years concerns who should take the vaccine and at what age.

Medical experts explain that the HPV vaccine can be administered to girls and women between the ages of 9 and 45 years.

However, the ideal age group for vaccination is between 9 and 14 years. Doctors say that this age group develops the strongest immune response to the vaccine, making it the best time to administer the dose.

According to fertility specialist Dr Rachita Munjal, vaccinating girls between 9 and 14 years provides maximum protection against HPV infection and cervical cancer.

She explains that the HPV vaccine eligibility India girls 9 to 45 years guideline is divided into different categories:

• 9 to 14 years – Ideal age for vaccination with strongest immunity

• 15 to 26 years – Catch-up vaccination period

• 27 to 45 years – Vaccination may be taken based on individual medical advice

Even women who are sexually active can benefit from the vaccine because it may still protect them against HPV strains they have not yet been exposed to.

Free Vaccination for 14-Year-Old Girls

Under the HPV vaccination programme India news initiative, the government will provide free vaccination to girls aged 14 years across the country.

The aim is to ensure that girls from all socio-economic backgrounds receive protection against cervical cancer.

The vaccine will be administered through government healthcare facilities, including:

• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres)

• Community Health Centres

• Sub-District Hospitals

• District Hospitals

• Government Medical Colleges

These facilities will serve as vaccination centres for the HPV vaccination programme February 2026 India, making the vaccine accessible to millions of adolescents.

Parental Consent is Mandatory

The government has clarified that participation in the programme will be voluntary.

Parents or guardians will be required to provide informed consent before their children receive the vaccine.

Health authorities have emphasised that parental awareness is crucial for the success of the HPV vaccination programme India news initiative, and campaigns will be conducted to educate families about the importance of the vaccine.

Is One Dose of HPV Vaccine Enough

A major question raised in the HPV vaccine India latest news discussion is whether a single dose of the vaccine provides sufficient protection.

Doctors say that recent guidelines indicate that one dose of Gardasil can provide strong immunity for girls aged 9 to 14 years.

According to Dr Mani Kapur, new research suggests that a single-dose strategy can still generate a durable immune response, particularly among younger adolescents whose immune systems are stronger.

In countries like India, where there is a large population of adolescent girls and limited healthcare resources, a single-dose strategy allows the government to vaccinate more people quickly and affordably.

However, the dosage recommendations may vary depending on the vaccine used.

For example:

• Gardasil – One dose recommended for girls aged 9 to 14 in the government programme

• Cervavac – Two doses recommended with a six-month gap

Doctors say that the HPV vaccine Gardasil India news programme focuses on a single dose to maximise coverage and public health impact.

Is the HPV Vaccine Safe

Another major concern addressed in the HPV vaccine side effects safety news India discussion is whether the vaccine is safe.

Medical experts say that the HPV vaccine is considered extremely safe and has been used globally for many years.

According to doctors, the most common side effects include:

• Mild pain at the injection site

• Swelling or redness

• Mild fever

• Temporary headache

These symptoms are generally short-lived and not serious.

Experts also rejected misinformation suggesting that HPV vaccines cause infertility or early menopause, stating that there is no scientific evidence supporting such claims.

Doctors emphasise that the vaccine has undergone extensive safety testing and monitoring worldwide.

Should Boys Also Get the HPV Vaccine

A lesser-known fact in the HPV vaccination programme India news coverage is that boys and men can also benefit from HPV vaccination.

Doctors say that males can also be infected by HPV and may develop conditions such as:

• Genital warts

• Anal cancer

• Penile cancer

• Throat and mouth cancers

Vaccinating boys can also help reduce transmission of the virus, protecting both men and women.

However, the current government programme focuses on vaccinating adolescent girls first, since cervical cancer prevention is the primary objective.

Cost of HPV Vaccine in Private Hospitals

Outside the government programme, the HPV vaccine is available in private healthcare facilities.

The Gardasil 4 vaccine, manufactured by MSD India, typically costs around ₹3,927 per dose.

The dosage schedule usually depends on age:

• Below 15 years – Two doses recommended

• Above 15 years – Three doses recommended

This cost has historically limited access to the vaccine, which is why the HPV vaccination programme India news initiative is considered a major public health intervention.

Importance of the HPV Vaccination Programme

The HPV vaccination programme launched by Narendra Modi could transform the future of women's health in India.

Public health experts estimate that India accounts for nearly one fifth of global cervical cancer cases. Many of these cases occur due to lack of screening and vaccination.

By introducing the HPV vaccination programme February 2026 India, the government aims to:

• Reduce cervical cancer incidence

• Increase preventive healthcare awareness

• Improve women's health outcomes

• Lower future healthcare costs associated with cancer treatment

Countries that have implemented widespread HPV vaccination programmes have already seen dramatic declines in cervical cancer rates.

India hopes to achieve similar results over the coming decades.

A Major Step in Preventive Healthcare

The HPV vaccination programme India news initiative reflects a broader shift toward preventive healthcare in India.

Instead of focusing only on treatment, policymakers are now investing more in vaccination, early detection and disease prevention.

By vaccinating millions of adolescent girls today, the country aims to protect future generations from cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

Doctors believe that with widespread awareness, proper vaccination coverage and continued research, the Human Papillomavirus vaccine India programme could eventually eliminate cervical cancer as a major public health threat.

The launch of the programme therefore represents not just a vaccination campaign but a long-term national commitment to women's health, cancer prevention and public health advancement in India.

Join our Telegram Channel for Latest News and Regular Updates.

Start your Mutual Fund Journey  by Opening Free Account in Asset Plus.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.