Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch India’s nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive on February 28, 2026, with the ceremony taking place in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The campaign — a cornerstone of the government’s preventive health strategy — will offer a single dose of the Gardasil‑4 vaccine free of cost to girls aged 14 years, with girls who will turn 15 within three months also eligible during the intensive rollout period.
The HPV vaccine provides protection against HPV types most commonly linked to cervical cancer and other related diseases. Cervical cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers among women in India, and vaccination before exposure to the virus is widely recognised as an effective preventive measure. State health officials and district administrations will join the national launch virtually, ensuring that facilities such as Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, sub‑district and district hospitals and government medical colleges offer the vaccine to eligible girls.
The drive will run over a three‑month intensive phase, during which the vaccine will be available daily at designated government health centres. After that period, HPV vaccination will continue on routine immunisation days at the same facilities. The campaign is voluntary and requires parental or guardian consent prior to vaccination, with appropriate cold‑chain management and trained medical staff in place to manage the rollout and monitor any rare adverse events following immunisation.
This nationwide initiative marks a significant step in India’s public health efforts to reduce the burden of preventable cancers and protect future generations of women, aligning with global recommendations for early HPV immunisation and comprehensive cancer prevention.
