PM Modi to launch nationwide HPV vaccine drive on Feb 28

In a major public health step, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on February 28 from Ajmer.

The campaign aims to protect 14-year-old girls across the country from cervical cancer, a disease that remains a significant health concern in India.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said the launch event is scheduled for 11:30 am. All States and Union Territories will join the programme virtually.

Chief Ministers, administrators, State Health Ministers and senior health officials are expected to participate from their respective headquarters.

Officials have clarified that HPV vaccination is voluntary. However, written consent from parents or guardians is mandatory before the vaccine is



administered.

Approval and documentation will be managed through the U-WIN digital platform.

The vaccination drive will continue for three months, during which the vaccine will be available daily at designated government facilities to ensure maximum coverage.

After the special campaign period ends, the HPV vaccine will be available on routine immunisation days.

According to the Health Ministry, required vaccine doses have already been supplied to States and Union Territories based on their target population.

Officials have also been trained for the rollout of the HPV vaccination programme.

States have been asked to ensure that vaccine doses are distributed to all cold chain points and that special vaccination session sites are prepared for the launch day.