India will roll out a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls starting February 28, aiming to reduce cervical cancer risk through early prevention. The programme will offer free vaccines at government health centres across the country.
All girls aged 14 years across the country will receive a single dose of the Gardasil-4 vaccine
New Delhi: India is preparing to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer. The initiative marks a major step in the country’s expanding focus on preventive healthcare.
The programme will provide a free HPV vaccine to 14-year-old girls across India through government health facilities. Health authorities say the campaign is designed to reduce the risk of cervical cancer by vaccinating girls before potential exposure to the virus.
The initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as part of broader efforts to strengthen long-term disease prevention.
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Under the programme, girls aged 14 will receive a single dose of the Gardasil-4 vaccine at designated government health centres. Vaccination will be available at multiple healthcare facilities, including:
Each vaccination centre will be equipped with Cold Chain Points to ensure proper vaccine storage. Medical officers will also monitor Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) to maintain safety standards.
Officials have clarified that participation in the HPV vaccination campaign will be voluntary. However, parental or guardian consent will be mandatory before a vaccine dose is administered. Health centres will also provide awareness sessions and counselling to ensure families understand the benefits and safety of the vaccine.
The government aims to encourage informed participation while ensuring the programme remains accessible to all eligible girls.
The vaccination drive will begin with an intensive campaign phase lasting three months. During this period, vaccines will be available daily at designated government health facilities. After the initial phase, HPV vaccination will continue through routine immunisation schedules at the same centres.
This phased approach is intended to ensure widespread early coverage while maintaining long-term access for those who may miss the initial campaign window.
Authorities have already begun logistical preparations for the rollout. Training programmes for health officials have been conducted across states and Union Territories.
Vaccine doses are being supplied in advance based on target population data, and instructions have been issued to ensure distribution reaches cold chain storage points at the local level. State governments will be responsible for maintaining vaccine availability at vaccination centres.
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The campaign will be officially launched on February 28, 2026, in Ajmer. The event will be inaugurated by Narendra Modi, with participation from state leaders and health ministers through a nationwide virtual link. Officials say the launch will signal the simultaneous rollout of the campaign across states and Union Territories.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. Vaccinating girls during adolescence significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease later in life.
Public health experts describe the campaign as a proactive intervention aimed at preventing cancer before it develops, marking a shift in India’s healthcare strategy toward early protection and long-term disease prevention.
