India launches free nationwide HPV vaccine for girls aged 9–14

The Government of India has officially launched its first nationwide, state-funded Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign. Targeting adolescent girls between the ages of 9 and 14, the initiative aims to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, which remains the second most common cancer among women in India. The rollout marks a transition from limited private-sector availability to a universal public health program integrated into the National Immunization Schedule.

What we know now

Starting this quarter, the vaccination drive will be implemented through schools and government health centers. The program primarily utilizes Cervavac, India's first indigenously developed quadrivalent HPV vaccine.

• Target Group: Girls aged 9–14 years.

• Dose Schedule: A two-dose regimen (0 and 6–12 months).

• Platform: Tracking and registration via the U-WIN portal, modeled after the Co-WIN system.

Key details and eligibility

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has outlined a phased rollout to ensure maximum coverage.

• Phase 1: Focus on school-based camps for girls in grades 5 to 9.

• Phase 2: Outreach for out-of-school girls via community health workers (ASHAs) and Anganwadi centers.

• Vaccine Type: Quadrivalent vaccine (protects against types 6, 11, 16, and 18).

• Cost: Provided free of charge at all government facilities; currently priced at approximately ₹2,000 per dose in the private sector.

Context: The "Cervavac" Milestone

India previously relied on expensive imported vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix), creating a structural bottleneck in public health delivery. The development of Cervavac by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology has reduced costs significantly, enabling the government to scale the program. This follows the "indigenisation" trend seen in the Indian defense and space sectors.

Impact: Eliminating a Public Health Burden

India accounts for nearly one-fifth of the global cervical cancer burden.

• Mortality: Approximately 75,000–80,000 Indian women die from the disease annually.

• Efficacy: Vaccination at a young age, before exposure to the virus, provides nearly 90–100% protection against the targeted HPV strains.

• Economic Benefit: Long-term reduction in cancer treatment costs and improved women’s workforce participation.

What next

Following the initial school camps, the government plans to integrate the HPV vaccine into the routine immunization program for all 9-year-old girls. The Ministry is expected to release a detailed monitoring report via the U-WIN dashboard by mid-2026 to assess coverage in rural vs. urban clusters.

Bigger signal

The nationwide HPV rollout is more than a health mandate; it is a test of India's "digital health stack" and indigenous manufacturing capabilities. By prioritizing preventative care for women, the state is addressing a long-standing gap in public health infrastructure. The success of this program will likely determine the feasibility of future adult vaccination drives and further solidify India’s role as the "pharmacy of the world".

FAQ

1. Who is eligible for the free vaccine? Girls between the ages of 9 and 14.

2. Where can I get the vaccine? In government schools and local health centers.

3. Is the indigenous vaccine safe? Yes, Cervavac has cleared all clinical trials and is approved by the DCGI.

4. How many doses are required? Two doses, spaced 6 to 12 months apart.

5. Can boys get the HPV vaccine? While not currently part of the free government drive, boys can get it privately to prevent related cancers.

6. What if my daughter is over 14? The government program currently focuses on the 9–14 bracket; older individuals may require three doses and can consult private providers.