New addition to National Immunization program - HPV vaccines

In news today is the Government of India's decision to add the HPV vaccination to the national immunisation program for girls aged 9 to 14. 

This could be very much related to the fact that just last week the Serum Institute of India launched the made-in-India HPV vaccine CERVAVAC, although market authorization was granted last year. This vaccine could cut costs from Rs 4000 for international vaccines to Rs 200 to 400 by the SII. Although SII will still need to participate in the government tender along with international heavy weights like Merck!

India accounts for a quarter of all cervical cancer incidence in the world, so it is imperative to produce and utilise this vaccine. Since their introduction around 2006, HPV vaccines have been found to be safe & effective. HPV infections decreased by more than 85 % in teens and more than 70% in women in early 20s. Cervical cancer screening and awareness programs will compliment these efforts of the Indian government in reducing cancer spread and deaths.

A very worthy initiative with the hope that the vaccines produced and administered are great in quality in terms of both safety and efficacy. Trust the program will include boys of same age group as well in the future.