Dakshina Kannada targets 22,473 girls for HPV vaccination drive: DHO

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 24, 2026: A total of 527 girls have been vaccinated so far in Dakshina Kannada district under the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign launched nationwide on February 28 by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to prevent cervical cancer, said District Health Officer Dr. H.R. Thimmayya.

Addressing a press conference at the District Health and Family Welfare Department office on Tuesday, he said the campaign targets girls aged 14 years (those who have completed 14 but not yet turned 15). The campaign will run for three months. The district aims to vaccinate 22,473 girls, which is about 1% of the total population.

The state has received 2.54 lakh doses of the HPV vaccine free of cost, which have been distributed to all districts. Under this campaign, vaccinations will not be administered through school or door-to-door visits. Instead, a single dose of the Gardasil-4 HPV vaccine will be provided free of cost at Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, district and taluk hospitals, and government medical colleges and hospitals. The vaccination is voluntary, and parental or guardian consent is mandatory. Necessary preparations have been made to ensure all eligible girls in the district receive the vaccine, Dr. Thimmayya said.

In 2022, India reported 79,103 new cases of cervical cancer, of which 34,805 resulted in death. However, cervical cancer is the only cancer that can be prevented through vaccination. Hence, all eligible girls are urged to come forward and get vaccinated, he added.

Do not believe misinformation

The District Health Officer cautioned against negative propaganda about the HPV vaccine circulating on social media and urged people not to avoid vaccination based on such misinformation. He noted that the vaccine costs around ₹8,000 in the private market, and since the government is providing it free of cost, ensuring vaccination for every eligible girl would be the best protection against this cancer.

Advisory to prevent heatstroke

With temperatures rising in Dakshina Kannada, a high of 39°C was recorded on Tuesday between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. People are advised to take precautions—wear loose clothing, avoid direct sun exposure between 12 noon and 3 pm, carry sufficient water while going out, and avoid carbonated drinks. Instead, they should consume water, tender coconut water, and homemade beverages, Dr. Thimmayya advised.