HPV is one of the most common infections—and it can cause deadly cervical cancer.

By Aniket Chakraborty June 14, 2025 Arrow

Over 1.2 lakh Indian women get cervical cancer each year. One dies every 8 minutes.

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The HPV vaccine can prevent up to 90% of these cases—but awareness is still low.

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India will launch Cervavac, a made-in-India HPV vaccine, in late 2025 via schools and health centres.

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Girls aged 9–14 are the priority, but boys will be included to curb wider transmission.

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States like Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab have already shown success in pilot vaccination drives.

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Cost matters: Private vaccines can cost ₹11,000/dose—but Cervavac will be free or subsidised.

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Myths persist—HPV vaccine is safe, doesn’t promote promiscuity, and does not affect fertility.

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One dose is now considered effective for most children under WHO guidelines.

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India’s bold push to eliminate cervical cancer begins with one vaccine—and it starts now.

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