New Delhi Pune-based drugmaker Serum Institute of India (SII) hopes to launch the country’s first indigenous Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) by November 2022 in India’s biggest effort against cervical cancer.
The move comes after the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) recommended to the Union Health Ministry that HPV vaccination should be included under the National Immunization Programme. Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix or lower part of the uterus, where malignant tumors can be prevented by screening and HPV vaccine.
The ministry plans to target girls in the age group of 9-14 years for vaccination against cervical cancer. Currently, the vaccine is available only in private hospitals and costs up to 4,000 per dose. Every year, 80,000-90,000 cases of cervical cancer are reported in India, which is the highest in the world.
“Before the rollout of this vaccine, the center will launch a massive sensitization program to educate parents and school officials. As of now, the HPV vaccine is only available in the private sector. from 3,500 4,000 per dose. However, two doses are required to complete the course of vaccination. Dr NK Arora, Head, NTAGI said, many people cannot afford this vaccine for their teenage daughters because it is too expensive.
People familiar with the matter said SII hopes to launch the HPV vaccine in November 2022.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women after breast, lung and colorectal cancers.
However, there is very little awareness about this disease in India and many people confuse it with cervical cancer of the neck region.
“Cervical cancer is a slow growing disease and the peak incidence of cervical cancer occurs in the age group of 50. Hence the HPV vaccine is a must for girls aged 9-14 years. Recommends PAP smear procedure to detect cancer veterans. “Every woman should have a PAP smear test once in a year,” said Dr. Priyanka Arya, Senior Gynecologist, Curis Multispecialty Clinic in Noida.