Maharashtra to Launch HPV Vaccine Drive Against Cervical Cancer

Top Summary

• What happened: Maharashtra is launching a state-wide HPV vaccination program on February 28, 2026.
• Why it matters: The program aims to prevent cervical cancer, which is caused by the Human Papillomavirus.
• What changes for people: 9.84 lakh girls aged 14 will be offered a free HPV vaccine. Parental consent is mandatory.
• Who is affected: Girls aged 14 in Maharashtra, their parents, and the state's healthcare system.

HPV Vaccination Drive Details

The Maharashtra government will begin vaccinating 9.84 lakh girls aged 14 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) on February 28, 2026.

The state-wide campaign is part of the national HPV immunisation program, aiming to prevent cervical cancer.

The vaccination drive will administer one dose of the 'Gardasil-4' HPV vaccine.

Vaccine Procurement and Administration

The Maharashtra health department has received 9,47,380 doses of the HPV vaccine from the Central Government.

Each girl will receive a 0.5 ml dose on their left forearm.

After vaccination, the nail of their left little finger will be marked with a marker pen.

Launch and Registration

The national launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take place in Ajmer, Rajasthan.

Maharashtra will launch its campaign by vaccinating five girls at Nair Hospital in Mumbai.

Registration and certificate distribution will be done digitally through the Central Government’s 'U-WIN' portal.

Voluntary Participation and Parental Consent

The vaccination is voluntary, and parental consent is required.

 

"The objective of this vaccination is to prevent cervical cancer in the future by vaccinating girls who have completed 14 years of age but have not completed 15 years of age against HPV,"

 

Eligibility and Potential Side Effects

The Department aims to vaccinate 9,84,414 girls in the state who are 14 years old but not yet 15.

 

"Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus and is the only cancer that can be prevented by vaccination."

 

Possible side effects include fever, headache, or swelling at the injection site, resolving within 2-3 days.

Medical facilities will be available at each center for immediate treatment.

• Girls with serious illnesses
• Those allergic to yeast
• Pregnant individuals

...will not be given the vaccine.

What to Watch Next

Monitor the progress of the HPV vaccination drive across Maharashtra in the coming months. Further updates will be released regarding the program's impact and future expansion.