Una, March 27: The Department of Health and Family Welfare is conducting an HPV vaccination drive in Una district to prevent cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix). Under this campaign, HPV vaccinations will be administered at 27 designated health institutions across the district on Sundays—March 29, April 5, and April 12. This information was shared by the Chief Medical Officer of Una, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Verma, while addressing a press conference at the Regional Hospital today (Friday).
Dr. Sanjeev Verma stated that approximately 4,500 girls in the 14 to 15 age group in Una district will receive this vaccine, which is provided completely free of cost. So far, 1,000 girls have already registered for the vaccination. He further informed that on-the-spot registration for vaccination will also be available for girls at the designated centers.
Dr. Verma explained that a single dose of this vaccine is sufficient to provide long-term immunity. This vaccine offers protection against the cancer-causing virus and is both highly effective and safe. The vaccine is already being administered in 159 countries and is now being introduced in India. It has been certified by the DCGI (Drugs Controller General of India) and is being implemented based on the recommendations of the CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) and NTAGI (National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation). This vaccine is already in use in developed nations, including countries such as Canada, Australia, and the UK.
Dr. Ram Pal Sharma, Block Medical Officer of Basdehra, and his wife, Dr. Anupam Sharma, shared that they, too, have had their daughter, Kumari Pranavi Sharma, vaccinated in the private sector, emphasizing that the vaccine is completely safe.
Additionally, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Verma shared that senior doctors within Una district have also had their daughters vaccinated with this shot and are fully satisfied with the vaccine.
He appealed to the residents of the district not to fall prey to any misconceptions regarding this vaccination drive and to come forward enthusiastically to help secure the future of their daughters. He stated that this does not cause infertility or any form of long-term side effects; rather, infection with the HPV virus itself can lead to reduced fertility and hinder conception. This vaccine helps safeguard fertility by preventing damage to the reproductive organs caused by cancer.
Present on this occasion were Dr. Sanjay Mankotia (Medical Superintendent, Regional Hospital Una), Dr. Richa Kalia (District Immunization Officer), Dr. Vikas Chauhan (Pediatrician), Dr. Priyanka (Gynecologist), Dr. Ankit Chaudhary (District Program Officer), Dr. Ram Pal Sharma (Block Medical Officer), Dr. Anupam Sharma and his daughter Ms. Pranavi Sharma, Jan Shiksha Adhikari Gopal Krishna, and Deepak Chhabba.