Pune: Five months after state govt launched its flagship ‘Cervical Cancer Free Maharashtra’ campaign in March, less than 9% of the eligible 9.84 lakh under-14 girls have been vaccinated against HPV, data show.Officials blame vaccine hesitancy and low awareness for the dismal uptake, even as neighbouring Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh report far higher coverage, with some districts claiming near 100% immunisation.Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director of the state’s family welfare and health services, said that as on Sept 10, govt vaccinated 79,214 of 9,84,414 girls, or 8.43%. “We have held about 1,77,847 sessions in various districts of the state since the campaign was kickstarted. The low response towards the vaccine can be attributed to low awareness and vaccine hesitancy.”Govt has started to rope in private groups and CSR partners, and joined forces with IMA to reach schools with focused awareness drives aimed at students and their parents. “We are working in collaboration with education officers and IMA to spread awareness and educate girls about the vaccine,” Dr Sangale said.Data shared by Dr Sangale shows that just 0.45 vaccines were administered on average per session. Maharashtra has reported three vaccine-related complications (AEFI). According to current data from U-WIN portal for HPV vaccination, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram achieved 100% coverage, with UP leading with more than 22 lakh adolescent girls immunised, while Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Assam have covered 90%.Experts say cervical cancer is one of those rare cancers that can be prevented through vaccination. Dr Rashmi Dharaskar, senior consultant (obstetrics and gynaecology) at Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital, said, “HPV infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, making HPV vaccination an important investment in the long-term health of girls. It is also effective because it protects against strains that cause genital warts and most importantly plays a key role in preventing cervical cancer.”Dr Sabrina Bokil, consultant (obstetrics and gynaecology) at Jupiter Hospital, added that HPV was very common. “While most infections clear on their own, some with high-risk types can persist and cause cancer. The HPV vaccine … is most effective when given before a girl is exposed to the virus,” Dr Bokil said, cautioning that the vaccine is preventive in nature and not a cure for an existing infection. “The best time to give her the vaccine is during adolescence.”
