Serum Institute's cervical cancer vaccine to be available this month

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.

Currently, HPV shots Cervarix, Gardasil 4 and Gardasil 9, are available in India. The cost of Cervarix and Gardasil 4 is around Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500 per dose, while Gardasil 9 is more expensive. The number of doses — two or three — depends on the age.

The Serum Institute of India's 'Cervavac', is a quadrivalent vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, and it offers protection against four strains of HPV — 16, 18, 6, and 11.

In India, women up to the age of 45 years can take the HPV vaccine. However, doctors strongly recommend the vaccine be taken before one turns sexually active, which is why the ideal age for taking the vaccine is from 9 to 14 years when the person has most likely not been exposed to the HPV yet.

In December, National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) chairperson Dr N K Arora had said India would be in a position to roll out the indigenously-developed HPV against cervical cancer for girls in the age group of 9–14 under the National Immunisation Programme by mid-2023,