Cervical Cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in India. After breast cancer, it is among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women. The worrying part is that many women are still unaware that this disease can often be prevented with timely vaccination and regular screening.
Recently, AIIMS doctor Priyanka Sehrawat spoke about this issue in an Instagram video and highlighted an important step taken by the Indian government. According to her, the government has added the Gardasil-4 vaccine to its vaccination drive to help prevent cervical cancer.
This vaccine protects against four high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is considered the main cause of cervical cancer. By preventing infection from these virus strains, the vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Cervical cancer risk may increase after marriage and due to certain lifestyle or health factors. However, one important fact is that cervical cancer is among the few cancers that can actually be prevented through vaccination. This makes awareness about the vaccine extremely important.
Cervical Cancer Prevention: Who Can Take The Gardasil-4 Vaccine?
To reduce the burden of cervical cancer, the Indian government has launched a nationwide HPV vaccination programme. This programme mainly targets young girls.
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Under this initiative:
- The Gardasil-4 vaccine is provided free of cost at government health facilities.
- Around 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years across India are expected to benefit from the campaign.
- The programme follows a single-dose schedule, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Studies suggest that this dose provides 93–100% protection against HPV types responsible for cervical cancer.
Health experts also recommend an ideal vaccination window between 9 and 14 years for both boys and girls. During this age, the immune system responds strongly to the vaccine, making it highly effective.
In the private healthcare sector, children in this age group usually receive:
- Two doses of the vaccine
- Given six months apart
Experts say it is best to take the vaccine before any exposure to the HPV virus, which is why early vaccination is encouraged.
For people who missed the vaccine during early adolescence, there is still an option.
- Catch-up vaccination is available for individuals aged 15 to 26 years
- This age group generally requires three doses
- The schedule usually follows 0, 2 and 6 months
Although the vaccine still offers protection at this stage, its effectiveness may be slightly lower if someone has already been exposed to certain HPV strains.
Adults aged 27 to 45 years can also receive the vaccine in some cases. However, doctors recommend discussing the decision with a healthcare professional to understand personal risk factors.
Who Should Avoid Or Delay This Vaccine?
While the vaccine is considered safe for most people, certain groups are advised to avoid or postpone vaccination.
According to government safety guidelines:
- Pregnant women should not take the vaccine
- People with yeast allergies should avoid Gardasil-4 because it is produced using baker’s yeast
- Individuals with moderate or severe illness should wait until they recover before vaccination
However, the vaccine is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Experts also emphasise that vaccination alone is not enough. Regular screening tests such as Pap smears are still important for detecting cervical cancer early.
Cervical Cancer is a serious but largely preventable disease. With the introduction of the Gardasil-4 vaccine in the government vaccination drive, millions of young girls in India now have access to protection against HPV infection.
Raising awareness about vaccination, early screening and risk factors can help reduce the number of cervical cancer cases in the country. If you or your child falls into the eligible age group, consulting a doctor about the HPV vaccine could be an important step toward long-term health.
