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Ahmedabad Achieves 65% HPV Vaccination Target for Adolescent Girls

Ahmedabad has achieved 65% of its target in a free HPV vaccination drive for adolescent girls. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has administered 31,579 doses to girls aged 14-15 years against a target of 48,443. The campaign aims to prevent cervical cancer and runs until May 31, offering free vaccines at civic health centers. The initiative provides significant financial relief as the vaccine typically costs around Rs 3,000 in private hospitals.

Key Points: Ahmedabad Hits 65% HPV Vaccine Target for Girls

  • Over 31,000 adolescent girls vaccinated in Ahmedabad
  • 65% of 48,443 eligible girls covered
  • Free HPV vaccine drive runs till May 31
  • Vaccine costs Rs 3,000 in private hospitals
2 min read

Ahmedabad achieves 65 pc target in free HPV vaccination drive for adolescent girls

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation achieves 65% of its HPV vaccination target, administering over 31,000 free doses to adolescent girls to prevent cervical cancer.

"The HPV vaccine is considered one of the safest and most effective measures for protection against cervical cancer. - AMC"

Ahmedabad, May 14

More than 31,000 adolescent girls in Ahmedabad have received free Human Papillomavirus vaccinations under a citywide campaign launched to protect them against cervical cancer, with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation achieving 65 per cent of its vaccination target so far.

According to figures released by the civic body, 31,579 vaccine doses had been administered till May 12 to eligible girls aged between 14 and 15 years under a special mega vaccination drive being conducted across the city.

The campaign, which is being implemented by the AMC's health department, will continue till May 31. The AMC has identified 48,443 eligible girls for HPV vaccination across Ahmedabad.

Civic authorities said the drive was aimed at increasing health awareness among adolescent girls and ensuring protection against cervical cancer through timely immunisation.

The AMC said, "Till May 12,31,579 vaccines have been administered under the campaign. This means 65 per cent of the eligible girls have already received the HPV jab."

The municipal body said eligible girls could receive the vaccine free of cost at any Urban Health Centre or AMC-run hospital during the campaign period.

Authorities also pointed out the financial relief being offered through the civic initiative, noting that the vaccine generally costs around Rs 3,000 in private hospitals, apart from consultation charges.

AMC said the campaign had been launched to provide protection against "serious and life-threatening diseases such as cervical cancer".

The civic body further stated, "The HPV vaccine is considered one of the safest and most effective measures for protection against cervical cancer."

Health officials said the campaign was being conducted as a special mega drive to ensure wider coverage among eligible beneficiaries before the end of the month.

The initiative is focussed exclusively on girls aged between 14 and 15 years, with vaccination services available at civic healthcare facilities across Ahmedabad.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Ravi K
Good step by AMC. But why only girls aged 14-15? Boys can also benefit from HPV vaccine. Need more awareness about this in India, many people still think it's only for women. Also, 65% is decent but we should aim for 100% coverage.
J
James A
Impressive numbers! In many Western countries, HPV vaccination is routine. It's great to see India making strides in public health. The cost saving of ₹3,000 per dose is significant for lower-income families. Keep it up, Ahmedabad! 🇮🇳
A
Arjun K
As a father of a 13-year-old girl, I'm very happy about this. But I have a small concern - there should be more awareness camps in schools and communities. Many parents are still hesitant due to myths about vaccines. The government needs to address these fears properly.
M
Meera T
This is really good news. Cervical cancer is a big problem in India. My aunt was diagnosed with it last year and the treatment was very costly. Prevention is always better than cure. Hope this campaign reaches all the eligible girls. 🙏
A
Aditya G
Great initiative but the coverage should be higher. Only 65% after so many days? And why stop at May 31? This should be a continuous program. Also, please include awareness about the HPV vaccine for boys too - they can also transmit the virus. Still, a good start.

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