India Crosses 80 Lakh HPV Vaccine Doses
Why in News?
India has crossed 80 lakh (8 million) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine doses under the National HPV Vaccination Campaign. The milestone was reported on 11 September 2026 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The campaign targets 14-year-old girls and provides a voluntary, free, single-dose HPV vaccine through government health facilities.
National HPV Vaccination Campaign
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign on 28 February 2026 from Ajmer, Rajasthan. The programme aims to protect approximately 1.15–1.2 crore girls aged 14 years across all States and Union Territories. The campaign uses the Gardasil-4 quadrivalent vaccine as a single dose. It protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Types 16 and 18 are major causes of cervical cancer. The vaccine is available free of cost at government facilities, including:
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
- Primary Health Centres
- Community Health Centres
- District and sub-district hospitals
- Government medical colleges
HPV and Cervical Cancer
Human Papillomavirus is a group of viruses that can cause several cancers and other diseases. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination before exposure to the virus can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. India has therefore incorporated vaccination into its broader cervical cancer prevention strategy.
Consent, Registration and Safety
The vaccination programme is voluntary and requires parental consent for eligible girls. India’s U-WIN digital platform supports programme monitoring and helps officials track vaccination coverage, identify missed beneficiaries and plan targeted interventions. All vaccination sessions are conducted under trained medical supervision. Government facilities are linked with 24×7 healthcare arrangements for managing rare Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI).
Progress of the Campaign
By 15 July 2026, more than 52.1 lakh girls had received the vaccine. By 11 September, the programme crossed 80 lakh doses. Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram achieved 100% coverage of their identified target populations. Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Assam crossed 90% coverage. Uttar Pradesh alone vaccinated more than 22 lakh adolescent girls.
HPV vaccination campaign 2026: Important Facts for Competitive Exams
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Vaccine | HPV vaccine |
| Target group | 14-year-old girls |
| Vaccine used | Gardasil-4 |
| Dose | Single dose |
| National launch | 28 February 2026 |
| Launch venue | Ajmer, Rajasthan |
| Vaccine cost | Free at government facilities |
| Major disease prevented | Cervical cancer |
| Digital platform | U-WIN |
| September 2026 milestone | 80 lakh+ doses |
| Implementing ministry | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
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