HPV vaccine in India: Walk into a pharmacy in Mumbai or Delhi, ask about the HPV vaccine, and you’ll probably get two different answers. One chemist may say, “Yes, it’s available, but very costly.” Another may shrug, “Stock khatam hai.” That pretty much sums up the state of HPV vaccination in India; some progress, but a lot of uneven ground.
Who’s eligible for HPV vaccination?
Technically, the vaccine is meant for preteens: boys and girls between 9 and 14. That’s when it works best, before exposure to HPV through sexual contact. But it’s not like a door shuts once you turn 15. The vaccine can still be taken by young adults up to their mid-40s.
Also Read | HPV beyond cervical cancer: Throat, anal, penile & vulvar risks
Parents often hesitate: “My child is too young for this, why so early?” The answer is simple; it’s about prevention, not behaviour. You don’t wait for cavities to show up before brushing teeth, right? Same logic here.
HPV vaccination myths:
One stubborn myth is that the HPV vaccine encourages early sexual activity. There’s no evidence of that. Teenagers don’t suddenly make life choices based on a shot at the doctor’s office.
Another common one: “Only girls need it.” Not true. HPV affects men as well and can cause throat and genital cancers.
Then there’s the cost myth. Some assume it’s out-of-reach for everyone. While it’s true the vaccine isn’t cheap, anywhere from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 per dose in private clinics, it’s not completely inaccessible. Government hospitals and certain health programs are working to make it affordable, though the rollout is patchy.
The access problem:
Here’s where things get tricky. Awareness is uneven. Urban parents in metros may have heard about the vaccine from a gynaecologist or through social media. But in small towns and villages, the conversation barely exists. Even when people know about it, availability is hit-or-miss.
Why HPV vaccine matters:
Cervical cancer kills over 70,000 women in India each year. That’s not a small number you can brush aside. And most of these deaths are preventable with a vaccine that’s been around for nearly two decades. Every year of delay means thousands more families lose someone unnecessarily.
Also Read | HPV in men: Why boys need the vaccine too
The HPV vaccine in India sits at an awkward crossroads: scientifically sound, socially misunderstood, and logistically under-delivered. If you’re eligible or your child is, don’t wait for a government campaign to make it easy. Ask your doctor, find a clinic, and make it happen. Because in the end, prevention almost always beats cure.
FAQs: HPV Vaccine in India (Eligibility, Myths, Cost & Access)
What is the HPV vaccine and what does it protect against?
The HPV vaccine protects against common high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer and several other cancers, along with genital warts (depending on the vaccine type).
Who should get the HPV vaccine in India?
It’s recommended for girls and boys, ideally before exposure to HPV. The best time is usually 9–14 years. Many adults can still benefit, too; your doctor can guide based on age and risk.
What is the best age to take the HPV vaccine?
The strongest protection is seen when it’s given before sexual activity begins, which is why 9–14 is the preferred window.
Can someone above 15 take the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The vaccine can still be taken in the teen years and adulthood. It may not protect against strains you’ve already been exposed to, but it can still protect against others.
Do boys really need the HPV vaccine?
Yes. HPV can affect men, too and is linked to cancers such as throat (oropharyngeal), anal, and penile cancers, and can also cause genital warts. Vaccinating boys also helps reduce HPV spread overall.