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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls from Ajmer in Rajasthan on Saturday, the Union health ministry announced. The launch event will see participation from representatives of all states and Union territories through a virtual platform, the ministry stated on Thursday. In an official statement, the ministry said, “We remain committed to promoting vaccination among girls to prevent cervical cancer. The launch of the HPV vaccination campaign for all girls aged 14 years is tentatively scheduled for 11:30 am on February 28. The prime minister has graciously agreed to launch the campaign from Ajmer, Rajasthan.”It added that all states and UTs will join the programme virtually in coordination with their local National Informatics Centre (NIC) units. Chief ministers, administrators, state health ministers, and senior health officials are expected to be present at their respective state or UT headquarters. The access link for the event will be shared separately. The ministry clarified that girls who turn 15 within three months of the campaign’s launch will also be eligible for vaccination during the special three-month drive. A single dose of Gardasil-4 will be administered as part of the campaign, which will be conducted at government health centres across the country. The vaccination will be entirely voluntary and will require consent from a parent or guardian. During the three-month intensive phase, the HPV vaccine will be available daily to maximise coverage. After this period, it will continue to be offered at the same health facilities on designated routine immunisation days.
