No decision has been made regarding the implementation of HPV vaccination for cervical cancer in the country, the Union Health Ministry said in a statement on Saturday January 13.
Contrary to media reports about the vaccination campaign, the ministry clarified that it is actively monitoring cervical cancer cases and maintaining regular communication with states and health departments for ongoing updates.
It said media reports speculating that the government will launch a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in the second quarter of 2024 to target girls in the 9-14 age group are "not true".
Cervical cancer is the second-most frequent cancer among women in India. The cancer develops in the cervix, located at the bottom of the uterus. Doctors stress two preventive measures — vaccination and regular HPV screening for early diagnosis and treatment.
In June 2022, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) recommended the introduction of HPV vaccine in the universal immunization programme with "a one-time catch-up" for adolescent girls in the 9-14 age group followed with routine introduction at nine years, the government told the Rajya Sabha in March.
The NTAGI recommendation was based on fresh evidence on disease burden, evidence on effectiveness of single dose of HPV vaccine, clinical trial data and experience of the Government of Sikkim on the introduction of the vaccine, it stated.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a big group of viruses that has close to 200 strains. Of them, around 10 viruses are related to cervical cancer. The two very-commonly associated HPV strains with cervical cancer are — 16 and 18.
In India, women up to the age of 45 years can take the HPV vaccine. However, since the HPV virus is sexually transmitted, doctors recommend giving the vaccine before the girls are sexually active can prevent 99% chances of contracting the virus.
The vaccine is also said to ensure protection against genital warts and other cancers like anal, vulval vaginal, penile, oropharyngeal cancers and those of the head and neck.
With inputs from PTI.
(Edited by : Priyanka Deshpande)
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