Chandigarh, March 10:- The Mission Director of National Health Mission, Haryana has appealed for cooperation from media and public relations sources for the success of the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccination campaign being run in the state.
He said in a press release issued here that the Government of India has decided to include HPV vaccine in the regular vaccination programme. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, while in India it is the second most common cancer among women. According to experts, most cervical cancer cases are due to high-risk human papillomavirus infection in the genital tract.
He said that the special campaign of HPV vaccine has been started from February 28, 2026, which will last for three months. During this campaign, the vaccine is being given under the single-dose schedule. During the campaign, deployment of trained health workers, proper storage of the vaccine and strict monitoring of its safety are being ensured. This arrangement will create a strong foundation for making it a part of the regular vaccination program in future.
The Director said that girls of 14 years of age - who have completed their 14th birthday but have not yet turned 15 - are eligible for HPV vaccination. Eligible girls will be vaccinated at designated health centers, provided that they have not taken any dose of HPV vaccine anywhere before.
He said that the media has an important role to play for the success of the campaign. In this regard, the cooperation of organizing media workshops, participation of mass media in the promotion of HPV vaccination camps and spreading positive messages towards vaccination through social media has been sought.
The Director of NHM Haryana said that with the support of the media, awareness among the people will increase and maximum eligible girls will be able to take advantage of vaccination, which will help in the prevention of cervical cancer in the future.