Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, 17 March: Teams of the District Health Department are holding meetings with the heads of various government and private schools regarding the HPV vaccine. District Immunization Officer Dr. Girish Dogra informed that HPV vaccination is being provided completely free of cost in government health institutions of the district, and school heads are being appealed to motivate girl students for vaccination. Health teams themselves are also creating awareness among the girl students about the benefits of this vaccine.
It is noteworthy that this vaccine is being administered to girls aged 14 to 15 years, that is, those who have already completed their 14th birthday but have not yet reached their 15th birthday. Dr. Dogra stated that this vaccine is available at high cost in private hospitals, whereas it is being administered completely free of charge in government hospitals.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, whereas in India it is the second most common cancer among women. This serious cancer, found in the lower part of the uterus in women, is mainly caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and this vaccine is being administered for its prevention.
Major centres for vaccination include District Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, Community Health Centres, and Primary Health Centres. He also appealed to government and private schools to provide full cooperation for the success of this campaign. For further information, the Health Department helpline number 104 can be contacted.