In line with the World Health Organisation recommendations, India is set to launch a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme, targeting girls aged 9 to14 years. According to the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR), cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women, accounting for 22.86 per cent of all cancer cases in women and 12 per cent of all cancer cases in both men and women.
As per official sources cited by news agency PTI, the drive is not under the government's Universal Immunisation Programme. "Vaccination under the national programme will be voluntary and free of cost, ensuring equitable access across socio-economic groups," the source said.
The programme will use a single-shot Gardasil. Gardasila is a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11.
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About HPV Vaccine
Since its introduction in 2006, the vaccine has demonstrated an excellent safety record, with more than 500 million doses administered worldwide. The widespread vaccination has significantly reduced HPV infections, precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer rates in multiple countries. HPV vaccines are among the most rigorously studied vaccines globally, with evidence indicating 93-100 per cent effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer caused by the HPV types targeted by the vaccine.
How Costly Is HPV Vaccine Currently?
Gardasil Vaccine: As of February 24, on TATA 1mg, the cost of one Quadrivalent vaccine costs around Rs 3,543. Its three doses would cost a little over Rs 10,500.
In the open market, quadrivalent Gardasil-4 is a two-dose vaccine for girls below 15 years. For those above 15 years, three doses of the vaccine are required. Gardasil-4 vaccine is manufactured by MSD India.
Gardasil 9 Injection: The vaccine costs Rs 9,547 on TATA 1mg as of February 24. Its three doses would cost a little over Rs 28,000.
HPV Vaccine Programme Will Help Poor Women
As per ICMR, rural women are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer as compared to their urban women. In India, breast and cervical cancers account for two-fifths of all cancers and are predominantly prevalent among women in the reproductive age group, as per National Library for Medicine, a US government website. Cervical cancer is the third largest cause of cancer mortality in India accounting for nearly 10 per cent of all cancer related deaths in the country.
In India, awareness of breast cancer symptoms remains particularly low among women from economically weaker backgrounds and those with low education. As per National Library for Medicine, research suggests that several deeply rooted social and cultural factors further discourage women from seeking screening. These include fears of being rejected by a spouse or community, anxiety about losing a breast, and the stigma attached to speaking openly about cancer. Many women also feel uncomfortable exposing their bodies, especially to male healthcare workers, while insufficient support from family members add to the hesitation to undergo screening for both breast and cervical cancers. Therefore, the HPV vaccine programme is expected to help women overcome fear surrounding cervical cancer, while also removing the financial barriers.