Every 8 minutes a woman is dying of cervical cancer in India… 80,000 women fall prey to this cancer every year in India. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. These figures show how much there is a need to take serious action on this. In view of this, the Government of India has now decided to start a nationwide ‘Human Papillomavirus’ (HPV) vaccination campaign.

Under this special program, every year about 1.15 crore girls who complete 14 years of age will be vaccinated against cervical cancer. In such a situation, the question arises that why only 14 years of age has been chosen for this free vaccination drive? Can’t this disease be prevented in advance by giving this vaccine to girls younger than this? Is there no danger in girls below 14 years of age? Let us know the answers to all these questions.

About 80,000 new cases are reported every year in India and more than 42,000 women die due to this disease. According to the ministry, every 8 minutes a woman dies of cervical cancer in India. India alone accounts for one-fifth of the total burden of this cancer in the world. In such a situation, after almost 2 years of preparation, the government has announced this free vaccination program.

What is HPV and how does it become cancer?
HPV is a very common virus that spreads through physical contact. Although in most cases the body clears it on its own, when infection (especially types 16 and 18) persists for a long time, it can cause cancer. According to experts, it takes 10 to 15 years from infection to develop cancer, which can be prevented through vaccination.

Why did the government choose the age of 14 years?
The government has chosen the age of 14 years for this vaccine because this vaccine is most effective before exposure to the virus. According to AIIMS doctors, the immunity against this vaccine is stronger in young teenagers. If vaccination is given at this age, the risk of cancer reduces by 90 to 95 percent. This means that this is the age when this disease can be prevented in the most effective manner.

Which vaccine will be given and how?
Merck company’s ‘Gardasil-4’ vaccine will be used in this government campaign. This vaccine provides protection against four types of HPV viruses. The government has decided on ‘single dose’ for this, which has also been considered effective by WHO. Till now two or three doses were required in private hospitals, but now the government will give only one dose to make it easy and effective.