In her interim budget speech on February 1, 2024, Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “We will encourage vaccination for girls in the age group of 9-14 years for the prevention of cervical cancer."
Cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). It is passed from one person to another during sex.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is one of the only two vaccines available today that can prevent cancers.
The ideal age for this vaccination in girls is between 9 to 14 years with a two-dose regimen before 14 years and a three-dose regimen after.
It will not help getting the HPV jab once pre-cancerous lesions have already developed, say doctors. Response to the vaccine is better at a young age.
HPV vaccines have been licensed for boys which prevent infections that lead to cancers of the penis, anus and back of the throat.
Common side effects of the vaccine include pain, redness, swelling at the site of the injection, fever and nausea.