The Union Health Ministry has denied reports that the government will roll out the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in the second quarter of 2024.
The HPV vaccine is a preventive measure against various strains of the HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection linked to genital warts and certain cancers.
It primarily guards against HPV types associated with cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. It is typically recommended for adolescents before sexual activity initiation.
In June 2022, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization recommended the introduction of the HPV vaccine in the universal immunisation programme.
In India, cervical cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer among women, with the country bearing the highest share of the global burden, as per government data.
Earlier the health ministry had said that the vaccination initiative would be implemented at healthcare facilities, with a specific focus on reaching out-of-school girls.