“Free HPV Vaccination for Girls in Grades VIII and IX will be given by Pune Municipal Corporation in Civic Schools.” In a preventative move, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is providing free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to almost 3,000 girls enrolled in civic school grades VIII and IX. PMC has already started the tendering procedure and is requesting estimates for the vaccination. Girls in Class IX will be given priority for the vaccine campaign, with Class VIII following suit.

The government has decided to include the HPV vaccine in the universal vaccination plan even before Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) made its decision. This vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer in women. Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer of PMC, shared that they have requested bids and are willing to pay Rs 1,359 for one shot of the vaccine. PMC aims to begin vaccinating girls in Class IX first and later in Class VIII, depending on the availability of the vaccine.

While HPV vaccines are available in the private market, even the most affordable option, Cervavac by the Serum Institute of India, costs around Rs 2,000, followed by Gardasil 4 at Rs 4,000 per dose. The PMC’s proactive approach aligns with the central government’s plan to offer free HPV vaccination to girls aged 9 to 14 starting June this year. Experts emphasise the importance of including this vaccine under the Universal Immunization Program for widespread of awareness  accessibility.