Gujarat: Over five lakh girls vaccinated under HPV campaign as state nears 92 pc coverage

GANDHINAGAR: More than five lakh adolescent girls in Gujarat have received the first dose of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine under a state-wide campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer.

The programme recorded 5,14,566 cumulative vaccinations (including previously immunised) out of 5,62,324 eligible girls as of May 6.

On Wednesday alone, 7,913 adolescent girls were vaccinated across the state. The overall coverage under the campaign stands at 91.5 per cent.

State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said: "The vaccination drive, conducted under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is being implemented across Gujarat without any reported cases of serious adverse effects."

He stated that the absence of such cases reflects the safety profile of the vaccine and the effectiveness of the ongoing public health programme.

The HPV vaccination campaign, which targets 14-year-old girls, is being carried out at government medical college-affiliated hospitals, district and sub-district hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) across the state.

The vaccine is being administered free of cost.

District-wise data shows wide variation in coverage levels across Gujarat. Rajkot Corporation has reported 10,622 eligible girls, with 116 vaccinated on May 6 and a cumulative coverage of 11,565, reflecting 109 per cent completion.

Bhavnagar Corporation has recorded 4,859 eligible girls, with cumulative vaccination of 5,014, reflecting 103 per cent coverage. Narmada district has reported 5,962 eligible girls, with 6,139 vaccinated cumulatively, also showing 103 per cent coverage.

Junagadh Corporation has recorded 2,293 eligible girls and 2,330 cumulative vaccinations, reflecting 102 per cent coverage.

Jamnagar Corporation has reported 4,753 eligible girls with 4,847 vaccinated cumulatively, also at 102 per cent. Gandhinagar Corporation has recorded 3,162 eligible girls and 3,207 cumulative vaccinations, reflecting 101 per cent coverage.

Gir Somnath district has reported 10,679 eligible girls and 10,821 cumulative vaccinations, while Aravalli district has recorded 10,863 eligible girls and 11,009 cumulative vaccinations, both reflecting 101 per cent coverage.