India to launch free cervical cancer vaccine drive this year: reports

The central government is gearing up to launch a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive this year, in the hope of reducing occurrence of cervical cancer in the country. The campaign will target girls between 9 and 14 years of age and will be carried out in three phases in the second quarter of the year, according to media reports.

The vaccine will administered for free and the government is stocking up 7 crore doses ahead of the campaign, reports suggest.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, and fourth most common in the world.

What is human papillomavirus?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a is highly transmissible virus that infects skin or mucosal cells that spreads through sexual activity. According to the World Health Organisation, at least 13 of more than 100 known HPV genotypes can cause cancer of the cervix and are associated with other anogenital cancers and cancers of the head and neck.

The two most common "high-risk" strains of HPV cause approximately 70% of all cervical cancers, while the two "low-risk" genotypes cause genital warts, according to a WHO report.

Getting vaccinated against HPV helps prevent cancer in men and women.

How effective is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine protects against genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. It protects against cancer of the vagina, vulva, penis or anus caused by HPV. The HPV vaccine also protects against mouth, throat, head and neck cancers caused by HPV.

Who Should Get HPV Vaccine?

The primary target group in most of the countries recommending HPV vaccination is teenage girls, aged 9-14, prior to the start of sexual activity. The WHO recommends vaccination of secondary targets such as boys and older females where feasible and affordable.

The vaccination schedule depends on the age of the recipient. WHO recommends a one or two-dose schedule for girls aged 9-14, a one or two-dose schedule for girls and women aged 15-20, two doses with a 6-month interval for women older than 21.

A minimum of 2 doses and when feasible 3-doses remain necessary for those known to be immunocompromised and/or HIV-infected.