Ludhiana Health Department Mobilizes MLAs and Councillors to Combat Misinformation in HPV Vaccine Drive
In a proactive move to safeguard the 90-day Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign from what officials term "bad elements" spreading fake narratives, the Ludhiana health department has launched a comprehensive defensive strategy. This initiative involves roping in local MLAs and municipal councillors to champion the cause and boost public awareness.
Low Turnout Amid School Examinations
Official sources indicate that the current turnout remains low, with only a fraction of eligible girls vaccinated so far. Of approximately 40,000 eligible girls in the district, around 100 to 150 have received the vaccine. However, health authorities remain optimistic that the drive will gain significant momentum once the school examination season concludes.
Ludhiana Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur emphasized that they have involved all concerned stakeholders, including MLAs, municipal councillors, the civil administration, and the District Education Office. "We have created an awareness video and circulated it widely to educate the public," she said. Dr. Kaur noted that there have been no adverse issues among those vaccinated to date and described the response as "okay" given the ongoing exam period.
Targeted Vaccination and Safety Protocols
Dr. Harpreet Singh, the District Immunisation Officer (DIO), clarified that the campaign targets girls above 14 and below 15 years of age, aiming to vaccinate 1% of the population. He acknowledged that the number of vaccinations is currently low but is slowly picking up. The DIO attributed the slow pace primarily to school examinations, which have diverted attention and participation.
Regarding safety, Dr. Singh outlined that vaccination is being conducted at around 22 designated centres across Ludhiana. "As a standard safety protocol, every beneficiary is kept under 30 minutes of observation at the vaccination site after receiving the dose," he explained, ensuring adherence to established immunisation guidelines.
Combating Misinformation and Promoting Awareness
When asked about rumours surrounding the vaccine, Dr. Singh pointed out that "bad elements" often spread fake narratives, particularly on social media, which can deter participation. To counter this, the department has engaged all relevant departments and public representatives to disseminate accurate information.
"This is not a new vaccine; it has been administered for 10 to 15 years," Dr. Singh stated. "While it costs around Rs 4,000 in the private sector, the government is providing it free of charge at designated centres. It is crucial for preventing cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer in women."
Public Representatives Take the Lead
Public representatives have actively joined the campaign to spread awareness. MLA Atam Nagar Kulwant Sidhu shared that during his public meetings, he appeals to parents to vaccinate their daughters. "I emphasize its importance in cancer prevention and highlight that it is free. If anyone faces issues, they can contact me directly," he said, demonstrating a hands-on approach to community engagement.
Vaccination Hubs Across Ludhiana
The vaccination drive is being conducted at multiple centres to ensure accessibility. Key locations include:
- Civil Hospital Ludhiana
- SDH Khanna, Samrala, Raikot, and Jagraon
- CHC Sahnewal, Payal, Manupur, Pakhowal, Sidhwan Bet, Koom Kalan, Hathur, Machiwara, Sudhar, Malaud, and Dehlon
- UCGC Jawaddi, MCH Vardhman, and UCHC Shimlapuri
This extensive network aims to facilitate easy access for eligible girls and their families, supporting the department's goal of increasing vaccination rates post-examinations.
