PM Modi To Launch Nationwide Drive HPV Vaccination Campaign On February 2028

Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch India’s nationwide HPV vaccination campaign on February 28 2026 from Ajmer in Rajasthan. The initiative targets 14 year old girls across the country and marks a major step in preventing cervical cancer and one of the leading cancers among Indian women. The campaign will provide a free single dose of Gardasil 4 vaccine at government health facilities. The Union Health Ministry has confirmed that parental consent will be mandatory for vaccination.

Nationwide HPV Vaccination Campaign: What Is Being Launched?

• The HPV vaccination campaign aims to immunize all 14 year old girls in India with a single shot Gardasil 4 vaccine.
• The vaccine protects against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18, which are responsible for most cervical cancer cases and types 6 and 11, which cause other HPV-related conditions.
• The official launch will take place at Ajme in Rajasthan, with all states and Union Territories joining virtually.
• Chief Ministers, Health Ministers and senior officials will participate through NIC coordination.
• The initiative formally begins India’s structured effort to eliminate preventable cervical cancer.

Why HPV Vaccination Matters for Cervical Cancer Prevention in India

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. Every year, nearly 80,000 new cases are reported, and more than 42,000 deaths occur due to the disease.

HPV infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Importantly, it is the only cancer that can be effectively prevented through vaccination.

By launching the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, the government aims to,

• Reduce cancer burden among women.
• Promote early prevention strategies.
• Strengthen public health infrastructure.
• Achieve long-term decline in cervical cancer cases.

This initiative reflects a preventive healthcare approach rather than reactive treatment.

Gardasil 4 Vaccine: Key Features of the HPV Vaccination Campaign

The campaign will use Gardasil 4, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine manufactured by MSD.

The vaccine offers protection against,

• HPV types 16 and 18 – major causes of cervical cancer.
• HPV types 6 and 11 – responsible for other HPV-related conditions.

The HPV vaccination campaign will provide the vaccine free of cost at,

• Ayushman Arogya Mandir – Primary Health Centres.
• Community Health Centres.
• Sub-district and district hospitals.
• Government medical colleges.

All vaccination centres will have cold chain storage facilities and a dedicated medical officer for managing Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI).

Implementation Plan: Three Month Intensive Drive

The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign will initially run as a three-month intensive drive. During this period, vaccines will be available daily at designated health facilities to ensure maximum coverage of eligible girls.

After the initial phase, the vaccine will be administered on routine immunization days.

The Union Health Ministry has already,

• Trained state and UT officials.
• Supplied required vaccine doses to states.
• Issued logistical guidelines for launch events.

States and UTs will conduct their own launch programs immediately after the national inauguration in Ajmer.

Voluntary but Mandatory Parental Consent Required

• The government has clarified that the HPV vaccination campaign is voluntary.
• However parental or guardian consent is mandatory before administering the vaccine.
• This approach balances public health objectives with informed consent principles.
• Health officials will ensure awareness campaigns at local levels to inform parents about:

Is One Single Shot Enough What WHO Says?

• In 2022, the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) reviewed global scientific evidence and concluded that a single dose of the HPV vaccine provides strong protection, especially among children aged 9–14 years.
• The group described the efficacy in this age group as “strikingly high.”

The updated dosage guidance is,

• Girls and women up to 20 years – Single dose sufficient.
• Women above 21 years – Two doses six months apart.
• Immunocompromised individuals (including HIV patients) – Three doses recommended, or at least two if three are not feasible.

This simplified dosage schedule makes mass HPV vaccination campaigns easier and more cost-effective.

Is This India’s First HPV Immunisation Programme?

The upcoming nationwide campaign is not India’s first HPV effort. Several states have already implemented targeted programmes.

Sikkim (2018)

Sikkim became India’s first state to launch a statewide HPV vaccination drive in 2018, achieving over 95% coverage for the recommended two doses.

Punjab (2016)

Punjab began vaccination in Mansa and Bhatinda districts in 2016 and later expanded. The initial phase recorded more than 97% coverage.

Delhi (2016)

Delhi launched HPV vaccination through the Delhi State Cancer Institute. However, uptake was limited as beneficiaries had to visit the hospital directly.

These state-level experiences provide valuable lessons for scaling up the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign.

Benefits of HPV vaccination.

• Safety profile of Gardasil 4.
• Importance of early prevention.
• Institutional Support Under National Health Mission
• The initiative is being implemented under the National Health Mission framework.

Health facilities participating in the campaign will maintain,

• Cold Chain Points (CCP).
• AEFI management systems.
• Digital record tracking.

The campaign aligns with India’s broader preventive healthcare reforms and focus on reducing non-communicable diseases.

Question

Q. The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in India targets which age group?

A. 10-year-old girls
B. 12-year-old girls
C. 14-year-old girls
D. 16-year-old girls