The decision comes as part of the state’s broader mission to make Kerala cervical cancer-free, following directions from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Published Jul 29, 2025 | 7:13 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 29, 2025 | 7:13 AM
Kerala Health Minister Veena George. (Facebook)
In a significant move to prevent cervical cancer, Health Minister Veena George has announced that Kerala will begin administering the HPV vaccine to students in Plus one and Plus two classes. A technical committee will convene within a week to finalise vaccine-related decisions.
Cervical cancer, one of the leading cancers among women, can be effectively prevented with timely HPV vaccination. While the vaccine is most effective for children aged nine to 14, it can be administered up to the age of 26.
The decision comes as part of the state’s broader mission to make Kerala cervical cancer-free, following directions from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. An extensive awareness campaign will be launched targeting both students and parents, with special sessions planned at the school level. Awareness materials will be prepared under the guidance of the technical committee, said the minister.
The Health Department has also been running the ‘Arogyam Anandam Akattam Arbudam’ (Health is joy, keep cancer at bay) campaign, screening over 17 lakh people across the state. A Cancer Care Grid has been set up to streamline diagnosis and treatment.
Key officials from the Health Department and cancer care centres participated in a high-level meeting to discuss the roadmap for the vaccination programme and cancer prevention strategies.
