PM to Launch Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive from Rajasthan on February 28

India is set to take a major step in the fight against cervical cancer as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will roll out a special nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign from Ajmer, Rajasthan, on February 28. The campaign aims to protect adolescent girls from HPV infections, which are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.

The initiative comes at a critical time, as cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India. According to official estimates, it affects nearly 1.25 lakh women every year and claims around 75,000 lives annually. Persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV is known to be the primary cause of the disease, making preventive vaccination a powerful public health intervention.

Table of Contents

Why the HPV Vaccine Matters

Human Papillomavirus is a group of viruses, some of which are transmitted through intimate contact and can cause cervical cancer over time. While many HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infections with high-risk types can lead to precancerous changes and, eventually, invasive cancer.

Public health experts have long emphasised that prevention through vaccination, along with regular screening, offers the most effective strategy to reduce cervical cancer burden. Countries that have introduced widespread HPV vaccination have reported significant reductions in HPV infections and cervical precancer lesions.

In India, where awareness and access to regular screening may be limited in many regions, vaccination of adolescent girls is viewed as a transformative step in cancer prevention.

Who Is Eligible?

Under the current campaign guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry to states, the vaccine will be administered to:

All girls who are 14 years old
Girls who turn 15 within the 90 days following the launch of the campaign

The focus on this age group is based on global scientific recommendations, which advise administering the vaccine before exposure to HPV, typically prior to the onset of sexual activity. Immunising girls in early adolescence ensures maximum protective benefit.

Parental Consent Is Mandatory

A key safeguard built into the campaign is mandatory parental consent. Before vaccination, written consent from a parent or guardian will be required. This measure aims to ensure transparency, informed decision-making, and community trust in the programme.

Health authorities are expected to conduct awareness drives in schools and communities to educate parents about the safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefits of the HPV vaccine. Addressing misconceptions and building confidence will be central to the campaign’s success.

HPV Vaccination: PM Modi to launch nationwide drive from Ajmer

Vaccination Centres Across the Country

The HPV vaccine will be made available through nearly 30,000 immunisation centres nationwide. These centres are primarily located in government health facilities, including:

Primary health centres
Community health centres
District hospitals
Other designated government hospitals

Only facilities equipped with proper cold chain infrastructure, trained healthcare staff, and systems to manage any adverse events following immunisation will administer the vaccine. Maintaining the cold chain is essential to preserve vaccine potency and ensure safety.

The vaccine will be available on all working days at these centres, making it easier for eligible girls and their families to access the service.

Safety and Monitoring Mechanisms

Like all vaccines included in India’s public immunisation programmes, the HPV vaccine will be administered under strict safety protocols. Healthcare workers have been trained to:

Screen beneficiaries before vaccination
Provide counselling on possible mild side effects
Observe recipients for a short period after the shot
Manage and report any adverse events

Globally, HPV vaccines have been extensively studied and monitored. They are considered safe and effective, with most side effects being mild, such as pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, or temporary discomfort.

The campaign will also follow established reporting mechanisms for adverse events following immunisation (AEFI), ensuring that any serious reaction is promptly investigated and addressed.

A Strategic Public Health Move

The decision to immunise adolescent girls reflects a broader shift toward preventive healthcare in India. Cervical cancer often develops silently over years, with symptoms appearing only in advanced stages. Treatment at later stages can be expensive, emotionally taxing, and less successful.

By contrast, vaccination offers a one-time preventive shield that can dramatically reduce lifetime risk. When combined with awareness and future screening programmes, it has the potential to significantly lower incidence and mortality rates.

The scale of the campaign—covering thousands of centres across states and union territories—signals the government’s intent to make cervical cancer prevention a national priority.

Role of States and Local Authorities

State governments and local health departments will play a critical role in implementation. They are responsible for:

Identifying eligible beneficiaries
Ensuring adequate vaccine supply
Training healthcare personnel
Coordinating with schools and community leaders
Conducting outreach and awareness sessions

Given the diversity of India’s population, culturally sensitive communication will be essential. Engaging school administrations, women’s groups, and frontline health workers such as ASHAs and ANMs will help ensure broader acceptance.

Looking Ahead

The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign represents a milestone in India’s fight against cancer. By focusing on adolescent girls and making vaccination widely accessible through government facilities, the initiative seeks to prevent thousands of future cases of cervical cancer.

With an estimated 1.25 lakh women diagnosed and 75,000 deaths annually, the urgency is clear. If implemented effectively and supported by strong public awareness, the campaign could mark the beginning of a significant decline in cervical cancer burden in the country.

As the programme is flagged off from Ajmer on February 28, it carries not just the promise of protection for millions of young girls, but also the potential to reshape India’s long-term cancer prevention strategy through science, planning, and public trust.

PM to Launch Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive from Rajasthan on February 28

Why the HPV Vaccine Matters

Who Is Eligible?

Parental Consent Is Mandatory

Vaccination Centres Across the Country

Safety and Monitoring Mechanisms

A Strategic Public Health Move

Role of States and Local Authorities

Looking Ahead

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