Update on National HPV Vaccination Programme

**Executive Summary** The Government of India launched a nationwide free HPV vaccination campaign on 28th February 2026 to reduce the burden of cervical cancer. The program targets approximately 1.2 crore girls aged 14 years across all 36 States and Union Territories using the single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine. Following an initial three-month campaign, the vaccine will transition to the routine immunization schedule at government health facilities. **Key Points / Main Content** **Campaign Overview and Logistics** * **Launch Date:** The nationwide campaign commenced on 28th February 2026. * **Target Demographic:** Approximately 1.2 crore eligible girls aged 14 years. * **Geographic Reach:** Implementation covers all 36 States and Union Territories, including rural and underserved areas. * **Duration:** An intensive campaign will run for three months, after which the vaccine will remain available during routine immunization days. **Vaccine Administration** * **Vaccine Type:** Single-dose Gardasil-4. * **Cost:** Administered free of cost at government health facilities, including Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges. * **Clinical Oversight:** Vaccines are administered in the presence of medical officers. **Safety and Consent Protocols** * **Consent Requirement:** Vaccination is voluntary, but parental consent is mandatory for administration. * **Adverse Event Management:** All vaccination sites are linked to 24x7 Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Management Centers for prompt treatment of any side effects. * **Transparency:** Efficacy details are available via the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) on the CDSCO website. **Strategic Framework** * **Comprehensive Strategy:** The program is part of a multi-faceted approach including screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment. * **Operational Guidelines:** Formal guidelines for the rollout have been disseminated to all States and Union Territories. **Impact Analysis** **Eligible Beneficiary Girls (Aged 14)** * **Impact:** They receive free, preventative medical intervention against cervical cancer. * **Action Required:** Visit designated government health facilities to receive the single-dose vaccine. **Parents and Guardians** * **Impact:** They serve as the primary decision-makers for the child’s participation in the program. * **Action Required:** Provide mandatory formal consent before the vaccine can be administered to their children. **State and Union Territory Governments** * **Impact:** They are responsible for the localized execution and management of the nationwide campaign. * **Action Required:** Implement the program according to the operational guidelines disseminated by the central government. **Government Health Facilities and Medical Officers** * **Impact:** These entities are the primary service providers and safety monitors for the campaign. * **Action Required:** Ensure the presence of medical officers during administration and maintain 24x7 links to AEFI Management Centers.

Key Entities Referenced