The Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) recently launched a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive across its jurisdiction, targeting adolescent girls aged 14 years as part of a preventive public health initiative.
The campaign is being conducted at all 15 urban primary health centres under PMC, and will run for the next three months, from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 2 pm.
The vaccine is being administered specifically to girls who have completed 14 years but are below 15 years of age, in line with public health recommendations that emphasise early vaccination for maximum effectiveness.
HPV is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer, and vaccination at an early age is considered a key preventive step. Health authorities have increasingly focused on expanding HPV immunisation coverage in India to reduce long-term cancer risks among women.
Also read: Why HPV Vaccination matters — And how PMC and NMMC are campaigning for the cause
Civic officials indicated that approximately 1% of the total population has been identified as the target beneficiary group for this campaign. The corporation has appealed to eligible beneficiaries to make use of the initiative.
The drive reflects ongoing efforts by PMC to strengthen preventive healthcare services, particularly among adolescents, and to raise awareness about diseases that can be significantly reduced through timely vaccination.
HPV Vaccination: Key Details
Under the current drive by the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC), the HPV vaccine is being administered to girls aged 14 years — specifically those who have completed 14 years but are yet to turn 15. In practical terms, this typically includes students studying in Classes 8 and 9. Girls who turn 15 during the campaign period are also eligible.
The vaccine targets high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly those known to cause the majority of cervical cancer cases. It is being administered as a preventive single-dose vaccine under public health guidelines.
The vaccination is being provided free of cost at PMC 15 urban primary health centres across the region, as part of a broader national effort to reduce cervical cancer through early immunisation.
