What Indian Families Need to Know About HPV and Vaccination

"Do I need the HPV vaccine? Does my sister? Does my mom?" These are questions that frequently arise in clinics. The HPV vaccine is a name heard by many, but understood by relatively few in India. Until recently, HPV vaccination was not included in India's national immunisation programme, and limited awareness may have contributed to it being perceived as optional in many households. However, on February 28, 2026, India launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, bringing the vaccine into public health conversation [1].

According to IARC's GLOBOCAN 2024 data, 79,360 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in India, while 36,319 died from the disease — making cervical cancer the second most common cancer among women in the country [2]. The introduction of a national HPV vaccination programme marked an important development in cervical cancer prevention. So what exactly is the HPV vaccine, and what should every Indian family know about it?

What Is HPV?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus — a group of more than 200 related viruses that can infect the skin and mucosal surfaces of the body. HPV spreads primarily via sexual or intimate contact, and in most cases resolves naturally without causing long-lasting problems. However, certain high-risk strains — particularly HPV types 16 and 18 — are more strongly associated with cancer when they persist. Approximately 10% of women with HPV infection of the cervix develop a persistent infection that can put them at risk of cervical cancer [3].

HPV is not only limited to cervical cancer. It can cause cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina and throat. Yet cervical cancer accounts for more than 90% of HPV-related cancers among women [4].

Why Vaccinate Adolescents?

It might seem unnecessary to vaccinate an adolescent. What really are the chances of HPV exposure at such a young age? The HPV vaccine is prophylactic — meaning its primary purpose is to prevent infection rather than treat an existing one. Prophylactic vaccines stimulate the body to develop antibodies via exposure to virus-like particles (VLPs). These particles resemble HPV closely enough to trigger an immune response, but contain no viral DNA and therefore cannot cause infection.

This allows the immune system to have protective antibodies ready to respond if the person encounters HPV in the future. Giving an HPV vaccine during adolescence does not imply that a child is sexually active or will become sexually active — it is simply the age at which preventive vaccination can provide protection before potential exposure. Younger adolescents generally mount a strong immune response, and WHO identifies girls aged 9–14 years as the primary target group for HPV vaccination.

India's National HPV Vaccination Programme — What Happened in 2026

The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign launched in February 2026 was an important step towards reaching and vaccinating as many eligible girls as possible. The programme targeted approximately 1.2 crore 14-year-old girls across India. It provided a free, single-dose HPV vaccine to eligible 14-year-old girls at designated government health facilities, on a voluntary basis with the approval of a guardian.

By September 11, 2026, more than 80 lakh doses had been administered, with the vaccine continuing to be available on routine immunisation days [5]. The question arises: what now?

The vaccine remains available free for eligible 14-year-old girls through the programme. However, it does not encompass everyone who may benefit. IAP-ACVIP recommends vaccination for additional groups. Boys aged 9 to under 15 years are recommended to receive two doses given at 0 and 6 months — with an interval of at least 5 months between doses. For adolescents aged 15 years and older, and for immunocompromised children at any age, a three-dose schedule is recommended at 0, 2 and 6 months [6].

Missing the government programme at the age of 14 does not mean vaccination is no longer appropriate. It can still provide protection at older ages, although the benefit may be lower if HPV exposure has already occurred.

Why Do Boys Need the HPV Vaccine?

HPV transmission occurs via sexual and intimate contact and can affect both sexes. Men and women can acquire and transmit the infection. Vaccinating both sexes can provide direct protection to individuals while also increasing population-level protection and reducing circulation of vaccine-preventable HPV types.

In men, HPV can cause genital warts as well as HPV-associated cancers including penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancers. A 2023 systematic review found the global pooled prevalence was 31% for any HPV and 21% for high-risk HPV in men — highlighting that HPV infection is common among men as well [7]. Vaccinating boys therefore provides direct protection against future HPV-related diseases.

How Effective and Safe Is the HPV Vaccine?

According to global randomised clinical trials, HPV vaccines have demonstrated over 93% efficacy against persistent HPV infections and precancerous cervical lesions. Countries with high vaccination coverage have reported substantial reductions in vaccine-type HPV infections (73–85%), high-grade cervical lesions (41–57%) and cervical cancer incidence (34–87%) [8].

Age of vaccination appears to matter significantly. A Swedish population-based study found that women who initiated HPV vaccination before age 17 had an 88% lower risk of invasive cervical cancer compared to those who had never been vaccinated [9].

HPV vaccination demonstrates a favourable safety profile. Commonly reported adverse effects include local reactions at the injection site, fatigue and myalgia — consistent with the safety profiles of other routine vaccines [10].

Common Misconceptions — Answered Honestly

My family has a history of cervical cancer. Does that change whether my child should be vaccinated?

A family history by itself is not the primary indication for HPV vaccination. Cervical cancer is primarily associated with persistent infection with high-risk HPV types rather than being inherited in the same way as some hereditary cancers. The decision to vaccinate is based primarily on age, vaccination history and clinical circumstances rather than family history alone.

Should adults get the HPV vaccine too?

IAP-ACVIP recommends vaccination through 26 years of age based on age and immune status. As age increases, prior exposure to HPV becomes more likely and the potential benefit of vaccination may be lower. Individualised discussion for adults aged 27–45 years is advised rather than routine vaccination.

I am already married or sexually active. Is it too late to get vaccinated?

Not necessarily. HPV has many different strains, and previous sexual activity does not mean a person has been exposed to every HPV type covered by the vaccine. While HPV vaccination cannot treat an existing infection, it may still provide protection against vaccine-covered types that a person has not previously encountered. For preventive purposes, vaccination is recommended through 26 years of age and beyond in special cases.

If my child is vaccinated, will they still need cervical cancer screening later?

Yes. Vaccination can only provide protection against vaccine-covered types. There are a few less common oncogenic types not covered by current vaccines. Vaccination substantially reduces the risk of HPV-related cervical disease but does not eliminate it. Cervical cancer screening remains an important part of prevention even among vaccinated women, according to recommended screening guidelines.

Barriers to HPV Vaccination in India

If the evidence for HPV vaccination is so strong, why has uptake remained limited until relatively recently? Several barriers have historically affected HPV vaccination in India.

Lack of awareness is one of the most significant. Studies have shown persistent gaps in knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination, along with misconceptions that are not always adequately addressed in clinical settings. Parental acceptance plays an important role since adolescents often depend on their parents or guardians to make healthcare decisions. Because the mode of HPV transmission is sexual in nature, conversations about HPV vaccination can be affected by social and cultural stigma in Indian families.

Healthcare providers have an important role to play — clear recommendations and accurate information can contribute significantly to greater acceptance. Cost has historically been another barrier, although the introduction of the national programme has removed this for eligible 14-year-old girls receiving the vaccine through government facilities. For those outside the programme, affordability may still influence access [11].

Increasing HPV vaccination therefore requires more than simply making the vaccine available. Families need accurate information, trusted healthcare advice and culturally sensitive conversations.

Vaccine Options Currently Available in India

Outside the national programme, HPV vaccination is available through the private healthcare sector. India currently has access to quadrivalent and 9-valent HPV vaccines, which protect against different numbers of HPV types. The national programme uses a quadrivalent vaccine (HPV4).

For individuals outside the government programme, private-sector vaccination is available. Indicative current prices are approximately ₹2,000–₹3,927 per dose for quadrivalent vaccines and around ₹10,850 per dose for the 9-valent vaccine [12]. Rather than choosing a vaccine based solely on price or the number of HPV types covered, families should discuss the appropriate vaccine and schedule with a paediatrician or other qualified healthcare professional.

🛡️ The Bottom Line

India has taken an important step by making HPV vaccination part of a national programme. The next step for individual families is informed decision-making through knowledge and awareness.

WHO's global strategy sets a target of 90% of girls being fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15 by 2030 [13]. Achieving this target requires more than vaccine availability — it requires understanding, confidence and acceptance.

So when questions arise — "Should he, she, or I get the HPV vaccine?" — the most useful next step is an open conversation with a qualified healthcare professional about whether and when vaccination is appropriate for your specific situation.

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