Indian government is set to roll out a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls in the 9-14 years age group.
Cervavac is an indigenously developed quadrivalent vaccine by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune, is already available commercially.
- Immunisation drive – It will be conducted through schools and existing vaccination points, planned in 3 phases over 3 years and is likely to start from the 2nd quarter of 2024 for free.
- Currently, the 2-dose HPV vaccine is available commercially for about Rs 2,000 per dose.
None of the HPV vaccines available globally recommend a single-dose schedule
- Target – Nearly 8 crore children between the ages of 9 and 14 years will be eligible and when divided over 3 years.
- Benefits – It offers protection against the HPV strains that cause cancer of the anus, vagina and oropharynx and genital warts.
Cervical Cancer
- It is the 4th most common cancer in women which develops in a woman’s cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina).
- Cause – Almost all (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
At least 14 HPV types have been identified as oncogenic and among these, HPV types 16 and 18 considered to be the most oncogenic.
- Treatment – When diagnosed, it is a treatable form of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively.
- Prevention – Effective primary (HPV vaccination) and secondary prevention approaches will prevent most cases.
- With a comprehensive approach to prevent, screen and treat, it can be eliminated as a public health problem within a generation.