PM Modi to launch HPV vaccine drive for girls on Feb 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination campaign on February 28 from Ajmer. The national drive will provide free vaccines to girls aged 14 to 14 years and 3 months across government centres. One crore doses are already available in the country. The initiative fulfils a commitment made in the 2024 budget speech. The programme mandates parental or guardian consent before administering the vaccine. Gardasil 4 will be used, which typically costs four to five thousand rupees in the market. The vaccine comes through Gavi and has an efficacy rate of about 93 per cent. The government aims to complete maximum vaccinations within 90 days, with 2.4 crore additional doses expected by 2027. Side effects will be monitored as part of safety protocols. HPV can lead to cervical cancer, making this preventive campaign significant for public health.