Introduction of HPV Vaccination Program in India

India is set to launch a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program targeting girls aged 14, marking a significant step forward in science amidst a global rise in anti-vaccination sentiment.

Global Context and Importance

• There is a global rise in anti-vaccination sentiment, evident from the measles epidemic in the United States affecting 26 States.

Implementation of the HPV Vaccination Program

• The vaccination will be administered at government health facilities with the presence of trained medical staff and teams to manage adverse events following immunization (AEFI).
• A single-dose regimen, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), will be used.

Impact on Cervical Cancer

• HPV types 16 and 18 account for over 80% of cervical cancer cases in India.
• HPV vaccination and regular screening can prevent cervical cancer and enable early treatment if detected promptly.
• Over 90 countries implement single-dose HPV vaccination schedules, leading to reductions in HPV infections and cervical cancer incidence.

Statistics Relevant to India

• India contributes over 65% of the cervical cancer burden in the WHO's South-East Asia Region.
• In 2022, India had approximately 127,526 new cases and 79,906 deaths from cervical cancer.
• National screening coverage is low, with only 1.9% of women aged 30-49 being tested.

Historical Context and Concerns

• Past HPV vaccine trials in 2009-10 in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat resulted in deaths, which were not conclusively linked to the vaccine, highlighting the need for vigilance in AEFI management.

Recommendations for Successful Implementation

• Maintain a working cold chain for vaccine storage.
• Ensure transparency and meticulous reporting of AEFI across the country.