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Girls aged 9 to 14 to get cervical cancer vaccines

Published: 30th Dec, 2022

Context

The Centre has said cervical cancer vaccine for girls aged between 9 and 14 years will be provided primarily through schools.

Details:

  • The National Technical Advisory Group for Immunization (NTAGI) recommended the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccinein the ‘Universal Immunization Programme’.
  • For registration, recording and reporting of vaccination numbers, the U-WIN Appwould be used.

About

  • It is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix- the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
  • Various strains of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) play a role in causing most cervical cancer.
  • When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from harming. In a small percentage of people, however, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causessome cervical cells to become cancer cells.
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract.
  • Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women
  • It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 (HPV-16 and HPV-18) together contribute to approximately 70% of all invasive cervical cancer cases worldwide.
  • Cervical cancer is a preventable and curable diseaseas long as it is detected early and managed effectively.

Indian Scenario:

  • Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most prevalent cancer in India.
  • It accounts for nearly one-fourth of the world’s cervical cancer deaths despite being largely preventable.
  • Current estimates indicate that every year approximately 1.25 lakh women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 75 thousand die from the disease in India.

 

Types of HPV Vaccines:

  • The HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if the vaccine is given before girls or women are exposed to the virus.
  • Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil): It protects against four types of HPV (HPV 16, 18, 6 and 11). The latter two strains cause genital warts.
  • Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix): It protects against HPV 16 and 18 only.
  • Non-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9): It protects against nine strains of HPV.

Which Vaccine will be used?

  • India is expected to roll out the indigenouslydeveloped CERVAVAC vaccine by mid-2023.
  • The vaccine has been received by the Drugs Controller General of India’s approval.

About CERVAVAC vaccine:             

  • It is the first indigenously developed Human Papillomavirus Vaccine.
  • Manufacturer: Pune-based Serum Institute of Indiain coordination with the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

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