Health Ministry yet to decide on roll out of HPV vaccination campaign

New Delhi: In a statement, the Union Health Ministry has denied a few media reports that claimed the roll out HPV Vaccination Campaign for girls in the 9-14 years age group.

Terming the reports as false and speculative, the statement clarified, “There have been some media reports speculating that the Union Government will launch a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in the second quarter of year 2024 to target girls in the 9-14 years age group. Such reports are not true.”

“The Union Health Ministry is yet to take a decision on the roll out of HPV vaccination in the country. It is closely monitoring the incidences of cervical cancer cases in the country and is in regular touch with states and various health departments regarding this,” it added.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for the prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. It is usually given in two or three doses, depending on the vaccine type. The target age group for vaccination may vary, but it is often recommended for girls between the ages of 9 and 14. Some countries also extend the vaccination to boys to protect against other HPV-related cancers and diseases.