Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Myths vs Reality

DR RASHMI SHARMA
On 28 February 2026, the Government of India launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive targeting 14-year-old girls (those who have completed 14 years but not yet turned 15). Free doses of Gardasil-4 are being provided at government health facilities under the programme. But, since the launch of the vaccine drive various rumours started circulating on the social media regarding safety of the vaccine without verifying the real facts. This created anxiety and distrust among the people. The purpose of this article is to bring true scientific facts before the people so that parents can make well-informed decisions for the protection of their daughters.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer (cancer of the lower end of the uterus) remains a major public health challenge in India. India accounts for nearly 25% of global cervical cancer deaths. It is the second leading cancer among Indian women after breast cancer. Every year over 127,000 women are diagnosed with the cancer, leading to more than 75,000 deaths in India.
Why is HPV vaccine ?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is responsible for nearly 99.7% of cervical cancer cases. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously within 1-2 years. However, when the infection persists (stays for longer period or repeated infections), it can lead to cervical cancer. HPV infection can also cause other cancers, including anal, oropharyngeal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. A vaccine against HPV can give protection against cervical cancer.
HPV Vaccine in the Campaign :
We are givingGardasil-4 vaccine. It is a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against four HPV types:High-risk types 16 and 18 (responsible for about 83% of cervical cancer cases in India) and types 6 and 11 (which cause most cases of genital warts) The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended HPV vaccination as a key strategy for the prevention of cervical cancer, with girls as the primary target population. The global strategy is to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 includes by :Vaccinating 90% of girls with the HPV vaccine by 15 years of age, Screening 70% of women at ages 35 and 45 and Providing appropriate treatment to 90% of women who test positive.
Gardasil 4 is not a new vaccine:
There are myths/ rumours among people that Gardasil 4 is a new vaccine. People are concerned about its safety concerns. It is the first vaccine against cervical cancer approved by FDA on 8June, 2006 after extensive preclinical and clinical trials. It has been in use globally for nearly 20 years, and more than 500 million (50 crore) doses of HPV vaccines have been administered worldwide with an excellent safety record.
Single dose of HPV vaccine is sufficient to give protection.
Another confusion that is striking in people’s mind is “Why free single dose is being given under the campaign; whereas in private practitioners are prescribing 2 to 3 doses”. Since we have long experience with the use of HPV vaccine of nearly 20 years and current scientific evidence has suggested that a single dose of the vaccine is as effective as 2 or 3 dose schedule. Currently nearly 160 countries have introduced HPV vaccine in their immunization programme and more than 87 countries stated following a single dose schedule.
Safety issues with HPV vaccine
There are rumours among public regarding safety concerns related to the vaccine. It is time tested safe vaccine. It is not a live vaccine and cannot cause serious disease or cancer. It is non-infectious, a recombinant vaccine like hepatitis B vaccine. It does not interfere with menstrual cycle or reproductive physiology of the girls. HPV vaccine doses not cause infertility or any problem with future pregnancies. Many women are vaccinated with HPV vaccine in the past 20 years and are enjoying healthy motherhood. Adverse events related to HPV vaccine as in case of other vaccines are continuously monitored through established vaccine safety surveillance systems.
Can it be given to other age groups?
Presently under the programme free vaccine is provided only to the girls of 14yrs (before 15th birthday). However, it is more effective between 9 to 15 years of the age and FDA has approved it for use in girls and women from 9 to 45 years of age. Why only girls are vaccinated under the programme and not boys?
It’s a public health programme and presently only girls are being protected.It is a sexually transmitted viral infection and by giving vaccine to over 80% of girls, we can also reduce the risk of HPV infection in boy (providing indirect protection to unvaccinated individuals).
HPV vaccine campaign :
For the first three months HPV vaccine is being given on a campaign mode on daily bases in Govt Health Facilities, there after it will be introduced in our universal immunization programme. Although it is an expensive vaccine; it is available at government health facilities free of cost. Visit your nearest health facility and get your daughters vaccinated.
HPV vaccination is a safe, effective, and evidence-based intervention that can significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer and save thousands of lives in India each year. A single shot for protection with HPV vaccine can give our daughters healthy future.
(The writer is District Immunization Officer Jammu)