Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
To curb cervical cancer among women, the central government has decided to implement a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign. Although it was planned to begin on International Women’s Day, the drive will start from March 10 in the district due to two consecutive holidays.
The first phase of the campaign will run for three months, during which school-going girls aged 14 to 15 will be given the Gardasil vaccine free of cost. The district has set a target of vaccinating 26,249 eligible girls. Vaccines will be supplied in three phases, and the district has currently received 9,000 doses for the first phase.
After completion of the special three-month campaign, the vaccine will be included in the routine immunisation programme for girls aged 9 to 14. Around 1.5 to 2 lakh adolescent girls in the district are expected to benefit.
Medical officers at primary health centres have been instructed to organise vaccination drives in five to seven schools in their respective areas. While the vaccine costs between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 in the market, it will be provided free to schoolgirls through the government programme.
Although vaccination is voluntary, parents have been urged to ensure their daughters are vaccinated to safeguard their future health. A mark will be placed on the finger of girls after vaccination.