Noida's Child PGI Launches HPV Vaccination Drive to Combat Cervical Cancer
In a landmark public health initiative, the Post-Graduate Institute of Child Health (Child PGI) located in Sector 30, Noida, administered the first dose of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine on Friday. This effort is a crucial component of the Central government's Swastha Nari programme, designed to curb the incidence of cervical cancer across the nation.
Free Vaccination for Eligible Girls
Under this programme, girls between the ages of 14 and 15 are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine free of cost at a dedicated clinic established within Child PGI. The vaccination services will be operational daily, ensuring consistent access for all beneficiaries. Dr AK Singh, the director of Child PGI, emphasised the significance of this step, stating, "This programme is a significant step towards preventing cervical cancer and reflects our commitment to public health. We aim to ensure that every eligible girl benefits from timely vaccination."
Hospital authorities have implemented strict medical protocols for the vaccination process. Beneficiaries are kept under observation post-administration to monitor their health and ensure safety, highlighting the institute's dedication to meticulous healthcare standards.
Expanding Focus on Adult Immunisation
In parallel, the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) has intensified its focus on adult immunisation. The institute has issued a public advisory and launched awareness initiatives to address gaps in vaccine coverage among older populations. Dr Rakesh Gupta, director of GIMS, explained, "Adult immunisation is the need of the hour. With increasing life expectancy and a growing elderly population, vaccines are critical to prevent diseases that can otherwise lead to serious health and economic consequences."
GIMS highlighted that immunity from childhood vaccines can decline over time, making adults vulnerable to infections. To combat this, immunisation services at GIMS are functional throughout the week, with an immunisation OPD running daily from 9 am until 1 pm under the supervision of the departments of paediatrics and community medicine.
Comprehensive Vaccine Access and Challenges
The vaccine is provided to all age groups, including pregnant women and adults, as part of the National Immunisation Schedule mandated by the Government of India and Uttar Pradesh, free of cost. Additionally, optional vaccines not included in the government programme but deemed essential can be procured through the HRF dispensary at GIMS at a subsidised cost, offering discounts ranging from 30% to 65%.
The advisory from GIMS emphasises vaccines such as HPV, influenza, hepatitis A and B, and Tdap as essential components of preventive healthcare for adults. However, doctors have pointed out that low awareness and limited access remain key challenges in improving vaccination uptake among the population.
This dual approach by Child PGI and GIMS underscores a proactive strategy to enhance public health through targeted vaccination drives, aiming to reduce the burden of preventable diseases in Noida and beyond.
