The Central Government confirmed on February 24, 2026 that a nationwide HPV vaccination programme is being launched, offering free immunisation to adolescent girls aged 14, targeting one of the country’s most preventable yet devastating diseases: cervical cancer.

HPV Numbers That Make This Urgent

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women. Nearly 80,000 new cases are reported each year, and the disease claims over 42,000 lives annually Asianet Newsable — that’s roughly one death every eight minutes. And here’s the hard truth: the vast majority of these deaths are entirely preventable.

India accounts for around 25% of the world’s cervical cancer burden India TV News, making this rollout not just a national milestone but a global public health moment.

What Parents Need to Know

The programme will use Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine protecting against HPV types 16 and 18 — the strains causing cervical cancer — as well as types 6 and 11. The News Mill A single dose is all that’s needed for girls in the recommended age group, consistent with WHO 2022 guidelines.

Vaccination will be voluntary and free of cost, ensuring equitable access across all socio-economic groups, and administered exclusively at designated government health facilities. ANI News

India’s Free HPV Vaccination Programme — Key Facts

Detail	Info
Announcement Date	February 24, 2026
Target Group	Girls aged 14 years
Vaccine Used	Gardasil (Quadrivalent HPV vaccine)
HPV Types Covered	16, 18 (cancer-causing), 6 & 11
Dosage	Single dose
Cost	Free of charge
Delivery Sites	Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, PHCs, District Hospitals, Govt. Medical Colleges
Supervision	Trained medical officers with post-vaccination monitoring
Countries with Similar Programme	160+ globally
Vaccine Supply Partner	Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Programme Vision	“Swastha Nari”

Why Age 14 Is the Sweet Spot

The vaccine offers maximum preventive benefit at age 14 — well before potential exposure to the virus — and generates a stronger immune response at this age. The Logical Indian Vaccinating girls before the virus is encountered is what makes this a genuine prevention programme, not just a treatment tool.

With this launch, India will join over 160 countries that have already incorporated HPV vaccination into their national immunisation schedules. India TV News

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FAQs

Q: Who is eligible for India’s free HPV vaccine and where can girls get it?

The programme targets girls aged 14 years, and the free single-dose Gardasil vaccine will be available at government health facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, PHCs, district hospitals, and government medical colleges.