Telangana Kicks Off Free HPV Vaccination Drive with 14-Year-Old as First Recipient
In a significant public health milestone, Telangana officially launched its free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program on Saturday, with 14-year-old A Kavyasri from Barkatpura becoming the inaugural beneficiary. The vaccination took place at the government hospital in Koti, Hyderabad, marking the start of a statewide effort to combat cervical cancer among adolescent girls.
First Doses Administered as Program Rolls Out
Kavyasri was among the initial five girls to receive the Gardasil-4 vaccine dose, administered voluntarily with parental consent and presence. Her mother, A Sahitya, had been actively seeking the vaccine for two years, highlighting the long-awaited nature of this initiative. Following the vaccination, all beneficiaries were moved to an Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) room for mandatory observation.
A doctor overseeing the AEFI room explained, "Although the vaccine is safe, we monitor each child for at least 30 minutes to rule out any immediate reactions." This precautionary measure ensures the well-being of recipients during the critical post-vaccination period.
Program Details and Eligibility
The free-of-cost program targets girls aged 14–15 years, offering a single dose of the Gardasil-4 vaccine. Family welfare commissioner Sangeetha Satyanarayana announced that the vaccine will be available for one month at government general hospitals, area hospitals, and community health centers before expanding to selected primary health centers. In contrast, the same dose costs between Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000 in private hospitals, underscoring the financial relief provided by this public initiative.
Officials clarified that while Saturday marked the formal launch, routine vaccinations across facilities will commence from March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The state has received approximately 1.4 lakh doses against an estimated eligible population of over 3 lakh girls, including those out of school, indicating a phased rollout based on supply and demand.
Registration and Logistics
Parents can register their children through the central government's U-WIN platform or opt for walk-in vaccinations at notified facilities. Commissioner Satyanarayana emphasized, "Vaccination will be limited to designated centres due to mandatory observation and cold-chain requirements." The consent-based program will be supported by awareness campaigns, with supplies released in phases based on uptake to ensure efficient distribution.
Funding and Broader Context
The vaccination drive is funded under existing public health allocations, including the National Health Mission, through a center–state cost-sharing mechanism. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to prevent cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in India. By providing free access, Telangana aims to increase vaccination coverage and reduce future health burdens associated with HPV infections.
The launch in Hyderabad sets a precedent for other states, demonstrating a proactive approach to adolescent health. As the program expands, it is expected to benefit thousands of girls, contributing to long-term public health gains and aligning with global goals for cancer prevention.
