Telangana has officially launched its free **HPV vaccination drive** to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer. This significant public health initiative began at the Koti District Hospital on March 1, 2026. Consequently, girls aged 14 to 15 years can now receive the Gardasil-4 vaccine at no cost. The state government expects to cover approximately 3.5 lakh eligible girls through this program.

Eligibility and Implementation Phases

Health officials selected girls between 14 and 15 years of age for this first phase. Therefore, parents must provide informed consent before the administration of the single-dose vaccine. After receiving the jab, medical teams observe each beneficiary for 30 minutes in dedicated AEFI rooms. Furthermore, the drive will expand from general hospitals to primary health centers after the initial month. Routine vaccinations across all facilities will formally begin on International Women’s Day.

Impact of the HPV vaccination drive

The **HPV vaccination drive** aligns with national goals to eliminate cervical cancer. Currently, cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Indian women. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) now supports single-dose schedules for girls in this age bracket. This shift simplifies logistics and reduces costs for public health systems. Moreover, providing the Gardasil-4 vaccine for free removes financial barriers for many families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is eligible for the free HPV vaccine in Telangana?

Girls aged 14 to 15 years are eligible for the free dose under this specific state initiative. The government also includes girls who are currently out of school.

Q2: How can parents register their children for the vaccine?

Parents can register on the central U-WIN platform. Alternatively, they may opt for walk-in vaccinations at notified government health facilities.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or replace professional judgment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. Telangana rolls out free HPV vax drive for girls - ETHealthworld


2. Telangana Launches Initial HPV Vaccination Drive, State wide drive from March 8 - Deccan Chronicle


3. WHO updates recommendations on HPV vaccination schedule - World Health Organization