Under the Department’s Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCHA) programme, the annual HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination drive for 7th-grade girls is underway. A single-dose vaccine is being administered, which, according to WHO, is highly effective in preventing HPV types 16 and 18—responsible for nearly 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide—as well as associated precancerous lesions.
The campaign is implemented through settlement nurses, often in coordination with school health staff, following parental consent. Since May, 118 girls have been vaccinated, with a target of 200 beneficiaries by year-end.
Alongside vaccination, awareness sessions are conducted for students and parents on the purpose of the programme, pre- and post-vaccination care, and the optional second dose, which may be availed privately if desired.
The primary target group in most of the countries recommending HPV vaccination is young adolescent girls, aged 9-14. For all vaccines, the vaccination schedule depends on the age of the vaccine recipient.
The initiative was funded by the United States Government through the TESC program.
*As per the December 2022 WHO Position on HPV vaccines, WHO recommends the following schedule:
- A one or two-dose schedule for girls aged 9-14
- A one or two-dose schedule for girls and women aged 15-20
- Two doses with a 6-month interval for women older than 21
A minimum of 2 doses and when feasible 3-doses remain necessary for those known to be immunocompromised and/or HIV-infected.
