22 - 09 - 2026

India Crosses 80 Lakh HPV Vaccine Doses in Six Months

India has administered more than 80 lakh doses of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine since the launch of its nationwide vaccination campaign in February 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer.

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have achieved 100% coverage of their respective identified target populations. Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Assam have crossed 90% coverage, while Karnataka has exceeded 85%. Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Kerala, Telangana and Odisha have crossed the 60% mark.

Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest number of vaccinations among states, with more than 22 lakh adolescent girls vaccinated under the campaign.

National HPV vaccination campaign

The National HPV Vaccination Campaign was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28, 2026, targeting approximately 1.2 crore girls aged 14 years across all States and Union Territories. The programme provides a free, voluntary, single dose of the HPV vaccine at government health facilities, with parental consent required before vaccination.

The vaccine is being administered through government facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, primary and community health centres, sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges.

The campaign was initially designed as an intensive three-month drive, after which the vaccine would continue to be available through routine immunisation days.

States report varying levels of coverage

The latest ministry figures show substantial differences in progress across states.

Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have completed vaccination of their identified target populations. Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Assam have crossed 90% coverage, while Karnataka has crossed 85%.

Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Kerala, Telangana and Odisha have each exceeded 60% coverage. The Ministry attributed the progress to coordinated implementation by states and Union Territories, community mobilisation and the work of district-level health teams, including efforts to reach beneficiaries in rural, urban and geographically challenging areas.

HPV infection is responsible for almost all cervical cancer cases. Vaccinating girls before exposure to the virus is therefore an important component of cervical cancer prevention.

The Government’s HPV programme is part of a broader cervical cancer strategy that also includes screening, early diagnosis and timely treatment. The Health Ministry has emphasised that vaccination complements rather than replaces these measures.

The scale of the programme is significant because India has an annual cohort of roughly 1.2 crore girls reaching the target age, according to government estimates. The national campaign is intended to establish protection against HPV at an early age and contribute to reducing the future burden of cervical cancer.

All vaccination sessions under the campaign are being conducted under the supervision of trained medical officers. Government facilities are also linked with 24×7 Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) management facilities to enable assessment and treatment of vaccination-related adverse events when required.

The Ministry has said that the campaign is now focused on reaching remaining eligible beneficiaries and ensuring that eligible girls are not missed.

Vaccination is only one part of prevention

The 80-lakh milestone represents the scale of India’s HPV vaccination rollout, but long-term cervical cancer prevention also depends on maintaining awareness and ensuring access to screening and treatment.

HPV vaccines are primarily intended to prevent infection with cancer-causing HPV types and are most effective when administered before exposure to the virus. The Government’s programme therefore focuses on adolescent vaccination while continuing to pursue screening and early detection as complementary public-health measures.

With more than 80 lakh doses administered within about six months, the national programme has moved beyond its initial rollout phase and into the task of sustaining coverage, closing remaining gaps and integrating HPV vaccination into India’s broader long-term strategy for cervical cancer prevention.

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