From hesitancy to hope: charting India's path to widespread HPV immunisation

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunology
• Gynaecology

Background:

• Cervical cancer is a major gynaecological cancer in India, disproportionately affecting underserved groups.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine availability since 2008 has faced challenges in national coverage due to safety concerns, misinformation, and logistical issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of indigenous HPV vaccine introduction on India's immunization landscape.
• To explore strategies for enhancing HPV vaccination coverage and achieving cervical cancer elimination targets.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent developments in HPV vaccination in India, including state-led initiatives.
• Analysis of policy implications for integrating HPV vaccination into the national schedule.
• Examination of strategies from the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for scalable implementation.

Main Results:

• Introduction of Cervavac, an indigenous quadrivalent HPV vaccine, improves affordability and supply stability.
• State-led initiatives demonstrate success with school-based delivery and community mobilization.
• Leveraging COVID-19 vaccination infrastructure can enhance large-scale HPV vaccine implementation.

Conclusions:

• Achieving WHO cervical cancer elimination targets requires a dual approach: gender-neutral HPV vaccination and accessible cervical screening.
• Coordinated, evidence-based strategies are crucial for sustained public health impact and equity in India.