In a significant public health initiative, district health authorities in Bhagalpur have rolled out an extensive campaign to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer. The drive focuses on administering the latest single-shot Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, primarily to schoolgirls between 14 and 15 years of age.
New Single-Dose Regimen Eases Vaccination Challenge
The campaign, operating under the Mukhyamantri Balika Cancer Pratirakshan Yojana (MBCPY), has set an ambitious target of vaccinating nearly 1.5 lakh adolescent girls. A key innovation this year is the introduction of the single-dose 'Gardasil' vaccine for girls aged 14 to below 15 years. District Immunization Officer (DIO) Dr. Dhannanjay Kumar explained that this single-shot regimen is a game-changer.
"The vaccine helps the immune system develop protection against HPV before exposure to the virus," Dr. Kumar stated. He emphasized that the Gardasil vaccine protects against several HPV-associated cancers, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts.
This new approach replaces the previous two-dose 'Cervavac' vaccine, which required shots at a six-month interval. Health officials found the extended schedule difficult to manage, often leading to missed second doses among beneficiaries, school authorities, and parents.
Focused Drive for Maximum Coverage
Dr. Kumar highlighted that the single-dose vaccine is being prioritized for the 14-15 years age group because their vaccination window is limited to just one year. For younger girls aged 9 to below 15 years, the two-dose regimen will continue, with the second dose scheduled to be administered shortly.
So far, the drive has made substantial progress, with nearly 20,000 schoolgirls already receiving their HPV vaccines. Vaccination sites include the OPD of Sadar Hospital, various Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and a special cell at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JLNMCH).
Awareness and Advocacy for a Critical Cause
To ensure the success of the campaign, health teams are actively visiting schools to create awareness. They are engaging with students, teachers, and guardians to explain the significant benefits of HPV vaccination in preventing cancer later in life.
The urgency of this drive is underscored by alarming statistics. Cervical cancer accounts for approximately 17% of all cancer-related deaths among adult women in India. District Magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary, who is also a trained doctor, strongly endorsed the vaccine's safety and efficacy.
"The HPV vaccine is safe and an effective preventive measure against cervical cancer," DM Choudhary asserted. He made a fervent appeal to medical professionals, officials, and families across Bhagalpur to support the vaccination drive and help achieve maximum coverage to safeguard the future health of the district's young women.
