Telangana to Roll Out Free HPV Vaccination for 15 Year Old Girls to Prevent Cervical Cancer

• Free HPV vaccine for eligible girls across Telangana.
• Over four lakh adolescents identified for vaccination.
• Major step to prevent cervical cancer early.

The Telangana Government has announced a major public health initiative focused on adolescent girls, with free HPV vaccination set to begin soon across the state. The move targets girls aged 14 to 15, a critical window for preventing cervical cancer before health risks begin later in life.

Health officials estimate that more than four lakh girls fall within this age group. Before rolling out the vaccination drive, authorities will conduct detailed micro planning to identify how many eligible girls are enrolled in schools and how many are outside the education system, ensuring no one is left out.

Medical experts point out that cervical cancer is among the leading cancers affecting women, second only to breast cancer in many regions. Studies show that nearly 85 to 90 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by the Human Papillomavirus or HPV. Vaccination at a young age has been proven to significantly reduce this risk.

HPV infection does not cause cancer immediately. In most cases, the virus may remain in the body for 10 to 15 years before symptoms appear. This delayed onset makes early vaccination crucial. Doctors stress that administering the vaccine before adulthood offers the strongest protection and long term health benefits.

One of the biggest challenges for families has been the cost. Each HPV vaccine dose in the private market costs between two thousand and four thousand rupees, and three doses are recommended. By offering the vaccine free of cost, the state aims to remove financial barriers and protect girls from a life threatening disease.

Health department officials confirmed that logistical preparations are complete. Medical staff have been trained, and vaccination protocols are ready to ensure safe and smooth delivery. Authorities also advise women above 30 years to undergo regular cervical cancer screening as an added layer of protection.

With this initiative, Telangana takes a significant step toward safeguarding women’s health and reducing the future burden of cervical cancer through timely prevention.