Centre to launch nationwide HPV shots for girls aged 14 on February 28

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Feb 27, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the nationwide Human Papillomavirus Vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls on February 28 from Ajmer, Rajasthan, marking the formal start of India’s large-scale push to prevent cervical cancer through immunisation.

In an official letter dated February 25, sent to states and union territories, the Union Health Ministry said the launch has been planned “tentatively at 11.30 am on 28th February 2026" and that “The Prime Minister has kindly consented to launch the campaign from Ajmer, Rajasthan."

The letter underscores the public health rationale, stating, “Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern in our country as well as globally. It is caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and it is the only cancer which can be prevented by a vaccine."

The campaign will initially target girls aged 14 years — those who have celebrated their 14th birthday but have not yet turned 15 — and will run as a three-month intensive drive before being integrated into routine immunisation services.

To minimise stress-related reactions among adolescents, the document advises ensuring girls are not vaccinated on an empty stomach, observing them for 30 minutes post-vaccination and avoiding overcrowding.

WHAT DOES THE LETTER SAY?

The operational guidelines annexed to the letter direct states to begin implementation immediately after the Prime Minister’s launch. “Initiate the HPV vaccination on 28th February 2026 after the launch event as per the following detailed guidelines," the letter said.

Defining eligibility, it said, “Target Population: Girls aged 14 years (those who have celebrated their 14th birthday but have not yet celebrated their 15th birthday)." It further clarifies that “Girls who will turn 15 years within 90 days of the launch will also be eligible for vaccination during the intensive three-month HPV vaccination activity."

On consent, the reiterated that “The HPV vaccination is voluntary and obtaining consent from the parent/guardian is mandatory before vaccination of girls."

All vaccinations will be administered at public health facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandir-Primary Health Centers, Community Health Centers, Sub District/District Hospitals & Government Medical Colleges & Hospitals)," the letter notes, adding that these facilities will have “a Cold Chain Point (CCP) and dedicated medical officer for AEFI management."

Addressing safety, the annexure of the letter said, “HPV vaccine is generally safe but beneficiaries may experience mild side effects following vaccination. Most side effects last no more than a couple of days and are part of the immune system’s natural response to the vaccine."

“All HPV vaccination session sites will be equipped with AEFI Kits for anaphylaxis management," it adds, and will be linked to the nearest 24×7 health facility. A helpline is to be operational in all states and UTs.

Digital tracking has been mandated for registration, recording and reporting the vaccination.

“The digital U-WIN platform will be used for registration, recording and reporting and all vaccine stocks and logistics to be managed & monitored through e-VIN," the guidelines state.

WHAT IS THE PLAN?

The rollout will run for three months as a focused campaign. “HPV vaccination Duration: 3 months (90 days). After the completion of the three-month HPV vaccination, HPV vaccine will be available on the routine immunization session days," it specifies.

States have been asked to complete microplanning and ensure facility readiness. “For the rollout of the HPV vaccination, microplanning and health facility readiness are to be undertaken as per the standard formats already shared with States/UTs as part of training material," the guidelines state.

With the Prime Minister set launch the initiative on February 28, the government will begin implementation across States and UTs the same day, starting with a tightly defined age cohort and a digitally monitored campaign aimed at building momentum for cervical cancer prevention nationwide.