Kolkata: A fortnight after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched the free cervical cancer vaccination programme for girls aged 14 to 15 years, targeting around 7.6 lakh beneficiaries by August, only 12% of the girls have been covered so far. East Burdwan district emerged as the top performer, while Kolkata and Kalimpong are lagging behind, primarily because most schools in these two cities are yet to reopen after summer vacation.
East Burdwan Leads the Drive
East Burdwan has vaccinated 11,246 girls. Ausgram block in the district was the best-performing block, with 37.2% or 624 of the targeted 1,649 beneficiaries already covered. Kalita Maji, Ausgram MLA and Minister of State for Housing, said that the Jamtara BPHC in Ausgram II is doing an excellent job, and BMOH Sajib Biswas is proactive in the HPV programme.
Kolkata and Kalimpong Lag
In contrast, the vaccination figure for the entire Kolkata is 350, and for Kalimpong it is 245. The single dose of Gardasil-4 vaccine is normally administered on the left hand for right-handed girls. Officials stated that most block primary health centres in the state provide the vaccine free twice a week, and vaccinated girls receive HPV vaccination certificates.
Efforts to Boost Turnout
An official said that girls need to be motivated, and field staff, including ASHA workers, are being roped in to increase turnout. In Kolkata, as most schools are closed for summer vacation, the focus will shift to parent-teacher meetings once schools reopen to build trust and encourage more girls to come for vaccination. Once parents understand the need for vaccination, it becomes easier. Their consent is also required for sharing their daughter's data under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.
“Again, parents need to certify the age of the daughter and give their consent for vaccination,” the official added. He felt that taboos are often associated with the vaccines, so more awareness campaigns are needed.
