Noida is preparing to roll out a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) immunization campaign on March 20 with a mission to shield young girls from cervical cancer. The program, which is being led by the district health department, will give free shots to girls who are nine years and older, officials announced on Monday.
The programme, finalized under the guidance of District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma, will require schools to obtain parental consent before administering the vaccine. Additionally, an awareness campaign will be conducted to educate the public about the importance of HPV vaccination.
Dr. Renu Agarwal, Chief Medical Superintendent of Noida, emphasized the vaccine’s critical role in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. "Since HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer, vaccinating girls at an early age offers long-term protection. Our goal is to ensure no eligible girl is left out," she stated.
According to health department officials, the Bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix) will be administered in two doses, spaced six months apart. Cervical cancer, which affects the lower part of the uterus, is primarily caused by HPV infections. The vaccine effectively guards against high-risk strains of the virus that lead to cervical cancer and related diseases. Experts recommend vaccination before adolescence for maximum efficacy.
District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) Dharamveer Singh noted that a pre-vaccination session would be held with parents to address any concerns and explain the vaccine’s health benefits. Schools, in collaboration with the Basic Education Department, will distribute consent forms to ensure a seamless implementation of the initiative. Teachers will also undergo training to help spread awareness among students and their families.
In an extended effort, the programme will target girls aged 9 to 26, with an initial batch of 500 students receiving the vaccine. The district magistrate has directed the health and education departments to coordinate the vaccination drive efficiently. Schools will have an important role to play in obtaining parental consents prior to administering the injections.
The immunization drive will be supported by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, and the service will be totally free to beneficiaries. "This campaign is one giant leap towards minimizing cervical cancer instances in our area. Together with the efforts of government representatives and medical experts, we want to protect the health and future of girls from Noida," stated a senior health department official.
Authorities promised that there would be a sufficient number of vaccine doses so that the full population would be covered. By making the vaccine freely available and educating populations, the programme should become a key step towards containing cervical cancer in the district.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)