FM Sitharaman announces govt initiative to promote cervical cancer vaccination among girls aged 9 to 14

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 announced the government's initiative to promote cervical cancer vaccination among girls aged 9 to 14.

The vaccination programme  for girls aged 9 to 14, as highlighted by the FM , will involve the administration of the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine. This vaccine is designed to offer protection against specific strains of cervical cancer.

As per data from the HPV Information Centre, India faces a considerable risk of cervical cancer, with a population of 511.4 million women aged 15 years and older who are potentially susceptible to the disease.

According to data from 2020, every year 1,23,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 77,348 die from the disease. Cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in India.

Currently, there are different types of HPV vaccines that protect against different types of infections. American multinational Merck's HPV shot Gardasil is also available in the market at Rs 10,850. Another product Cervarix by GSK was withdrawn in India in 2022.

In 2023, the nation rolled out India’s first indigenously developed Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccine ‘CERVAVAC’. It was a partnership between Serum Institute Of India (SII), Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) along with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. One dose of the product is priced around Rs 2000 currently.

"I applaud the Indian government's announcement to vaccinate girls aged 9-14 against cervical cancer. Let's pledge to prevent HPV and ensure easy access to vaccination," said Adar Poonawalla CEO of the Serum Institute of India in a post on social media platform X.

The HPV vaccine is typically administered in a series of shots over several months. The recommended age for vaccination is usually 11 or 12 years old, but it can be given as early as age 9.

"Women between 27 to 45 years of age can get the HPV Vaccine, however getting it administered at these ages, reduces the effectiveness of the vaccine and should be taken after proper consultation with a gynecologist. HPV Vaccines have a success rate of 88 percent," said Dr Rama Joshi , Principal Director , Department of Gynae Oncology , Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon.

Research suggests that vaccine protection is long-lasting. Current studies have followed vaccinated individuals for ten years, and show that there is no evidence of weakened protection over time.

The National Technical Advisory Group for Immunization (NTAGI) in 2022 recommended HPV vaccination for girls aged nine to 14 as a part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). It was advised to set up vaccination centres in schools and promote awareness about the vaccination.

"Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer among women in India, and its vaccination is recommended before the girl child attains puberty to maximise its benefits. Getting protected against the disease through effective immunisation and enabling early detection are two crucial steps that can help us save close to 1,25,000 women every year," said Dr Kshitiz Murdia – CEO & CO-Founder of Indira IVF .

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