Cervical cancer vaccine drive to cover 4 lakh girls in Telangana
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has decided to provide free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer. Around 4 lakh girls aged above 14 years and below 15 years will receive the vaccine with support from the Union government.
Health officials have fixed district-wise targets and completed training for medical staff. The vaccine, which costs thousands of rupees in the private market, will be administered free of cost in government facilities.
Micro-planning survey before rollout
According to government estimates, about 4.60 lakh girls in the state fall in the 14–15 age group, accounting for nearly 1 per cent of the population. However, data from the education department show around 3.50 lakh girls in this bracket.
Ahead of the rollout, officials will conduct a micro-planning survey to identify eligible girls in schools and those out of school. Doctors said the vaccine is most effective when administered before marriage and before the onset of sexual activity. They added that immunity is stronger at this age and a full course can prevent the virus from infecting the body in future.
Pregnant women, those with a history of severe allergies, and girls who have already taken the vaccine in the private sector will be exempted.
4,000 cases reported annually in state
According to Union government estimates, around 4,000 women in Telangana are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. Doctors said the disease is caused by the Human Papillomavirus and is not hereditary.
They cited early marriages, lack of personal hygiene and multiple childbirths as risk factors. The virus spreads through sexual contact and symptoms usually appear 10 to 15 years after infection.
Medical experts said vaccination before infection is the only preventive measure. They also advised women above 30 years to undergo a Pap smear test once every two years for early detection.
The HPV vaccine costs between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 per dose in the private market, excluding doctor consultation charges. With the full course requiring multiple doses, it becomes unaffordable for many families. Recognising this, the state government has decided to supply the vaccine free of cost to ensure wider coverage among poor and middle-class households.
