In a significant development in the health sector, Member of NITI Aayog Dr. Vinod K Paul has said that the HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, is being launched by the government as a campaign. Talking to the media, Dr. Paul said that the vaccine will be administered to girls at the age of 14. Dr. Paul added that the objective is to ensure that before their reproductive life begins and as they grow older, they are aware and fully protected through vaccination so that they do not contract the infection.

 

Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research Dr Rajeev Bahl said that the HPV vaccine, used safely in over 160 countries for more than two decades, protects against cervical cancer and cannot cause infection. He said mild side effects like redness or fever are rare, with serious events extremely uncommon. Mr. Bahl added that in the Country, the vaccine has been safely administered in the private sector, and the government programme will now provide it free to all adolescent girls, making this life-saving protection accessible to everyone.