Ludhiana: To safeguard the 90-day Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign from “bad elements” spreading fake narratives, the local health department has launched a multi-pronged defensive by roping in MLAs and councillors to champion the cause. While official sources indicate that the current turnout remains low with only a fraction of eligible girls vaccinated so far, the department remains optimistic that the drive will gain significant momentum once the school examination season concludes.Ludhiana civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur said that they have involved all concerned for the campaign, including MLAs and municipal councillors, apart from the civil administration and District Education Office. She added that they have made a video and circulated it to create awareness among the people. The civil surgeon said that there has been no problem among those who have been vaccinated till now. She indicated that the response is “okay” as the examination season is going on. Sources in the health department said that of around 40,000 girls eligible for the vaccination, around 100 to 150 have got it done.Dr Harpreet Singh, district immunisation officer (DIO), said that 1% of the population has to be vaccinated and girls above 14 and below 15 years of age are being administered the vaccine. He did indicate that the number of those who have got vaccinated is less but added that it is picking up slowly. The DIO attributed the slow pace of vaccination to examinations in schools. He added that they have held meetings at various levels and he has personally talked to many MLAs and councillors to rope them into the campaign.Prescription For ProtectionAsked about whether rumours are being spread about the vaccination, the DIO suggested that “bad elements” do spread a fake narrative about the vaccine, especially on social media, which is why they have roped in all concerned departments and public representatives. He added that it is not a new vaccine and has been administered for 10 to 15 years. “The vaccine costs around Rs 4,000 in the private sector but the government is administering it free at designated centres. It is crucial in the prevention of cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer in ladies,” the DIO said. He added that they have got necessary details from the district education officer (DEO) for administering vaccines to eligible females.Meanwhile, public representatives suggest that they are spreading the word about the vaccination. MLA Atam Nagar Kulwant Sidhu said that during his public meetings, he does appeal to parents to get the vaccination of their daughters done as it is very important for the prevention of cancer. He added that he also tells them that it is being done free of cost and if they face any problem, they can contact him on his contact number.Safety ProtocolsAs per the district immunisation officer, vaccination is being done at around 22 centres. He added that after receiving the vaccine, every beneficiary is being kept under 30 minutes of observation at the vaccination site as a precautionary and standard safety protocol followed in all immunisation programmes.Vaccination HubsAmong the various centres where vaccination is being done are Civil Hospital Ludhiana, SDH Khanna, SDH Samrala, SDH Raikot, SDH Jagraon, CHC Sahnewal, CHC Payal, CHC Manupur, CHC Pakhowal, CHC Sidhwan Bet, CHC Koom Kalan, CHC Hathur, CHC Machiwara, CHC Sudhar, CHC Malaud, CHC Dehlon, UCGC Jawaddi, MCH Vardhman, and UCHC Shimlapuri etc.
