New Delhi, March 18, 2026:
The Government of India has launched a nationwide free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting around 1.2 crore girls aged 14 years across all 36 states and union territories, as part of its efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the country.
The campaign began on February 28, 2026, with the single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine being administered free of cost at government healthcare facilities across the country. These include Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs), District Hospitals (DHs), and Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), covering both urban and rural areas, including underserved regions.
The vaccination drive is scheduled to run for three months, after which the HPV vaccine will continue to be provided through routine immunisation sessions at government health facilities.
Health authorities have put in place safety measures to ensure smooth implementation of the campaign. Vaccination is being conducted in the presence of medical officers, and all vaccination sites are linked to 24×7 Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) management centres to provide immediate medical support in the event of any adverse reaction.
The government has clarified that HPV vaccination is voluntary, and parental consent is mandatory before the vaccine is administered to eligible beneficiaries. Operational guidelines for implementing the campaign have already been shared with all states and union territories.
The vaccination initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to combat Cervical Cancer, which includes screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment. Health experts have highlighted that HPV vaccination—supported by strong global evidence—can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer among women.
Details regarding the efficacy and safety profile of approved HPV vaccines are available in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) published on the website of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
This information was provided by Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on March 17.
