The Indian government has announced plans to implement a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program aimed at reducing the significant prevalence of cervical cancer in the country.

The initiative focuses primarily on protecting adolescent girls, as cervical cancer remains one of the most prevalent yet preventable forms of cancer affecting women in India. Notably, India reports one-third of the global cervical cancer cases, highlighting the urgency of this public health intervention.

Details of the Vaccination Program

The upcoming national program will introduce the Gardasil vaccine, which is designed to protect against HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for a vast majority of cervical cancer cases. Additionally, this vaccine covers types 6 and 11.

The U.S.-based pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. manufactures Gardasil, which will be supplied in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In the private sector, the price of Gardasil 9, which protects against nine strains of HPV, averages around Rs 10,850 per dose. The quadrivalent Gardasil 4 vaccine, set for government distribution, will be offered at a cost range of Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per dose.

Vaccination Logistics and Accessibility

The vaccination program will be administered free of charge under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), emphasizing equitable accessibility across various socio-economic groups.

Vaccines will be provided exclusively at designated government health facilities, such as primary health centres, community health centres, district hospitals, and government medical colleges. All vaccination sites will be linked to 247 government health facilities to ensure immediate medical support and enhance safety for participants and their families.

Prevalence of Cervical Cancer in India

Cervical cancer remains the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in India, with approximately 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths each year, ranking among the highest rates worldwide.

Scientific studies confirm that nearly all cervical cancer cases in India stem from persistent infections with high-risk HPV types, particularly types 16 and 18, which account for more than 80 percent of these cancers. Despite the availability of preventive measures like vaccination and screening, this disease continues to impose a heavy burden on women and their families across the country.

Effectiveness and Global Context of HPV Vaccines

HPV vaccines, including Gardasil, are regarded as among the most rigorously studied vaccines globally, demonstrating a remarkable effectiveness rate of 93 to 100 percent in preventing cervical cancer associated with vaccine-covered HPV strains.

Gardasil is a non-live vaccine that does not cause HPV infections and has a strong safety record, with more than 500 million doses administered worldwide since its launch in 2006. This upcoming vaccination initiative aligns with World Health Organisation recommendations, which identify HPV vaccination as a crucial element in the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.

International Milestone for India

With the introduction of this program, India will join over 160 countries that have integrated HPV vaccination into their national immunization schedules. Among these nations, more than 90 are employing single-dose regimens to enhance vaccine coverage and affordability.

The government’s plans are grounded in comprehensive national disease-burden data and informed by guidance from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).

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