Why in the News?

The HPV vaccine works best if given before coming into contact with the virus. It is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 and for people who are more likely to get HPV.

What are the health benefits of including the HPV vaccine in the national immunization program?

• Prevention of Cervical Cancer: The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cervical cancers caused by HPV, significantly reducing incidence rates and mortality associated with this disease.
• Broader Cancer Protection: Vaccination also protects against other HPV-related cancers, including those of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx, promoting overall public health.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Early vaccination can lead to long-term savings in healthcare costs by reducing the need for cancer treatments and associated healthcare services.
• Equity and Accessibility: Making the HPV vaccine part of the national immunization program would enhance accessibility for all demographics, particularly in low- and middle-income regions where cervical cancer rates are disproportionately high.

What are the economic implications of integrating the HPV vaccine into the national immunization program?

• Healthcare Savings: By preventing cervical cancer, the integration of the HPV vaccine into the national immunization program can lead to substantial reductions in treatment costs and hospitalizations related to advanced cancer stages.
• Increased Productivity: Healthier populations contribute to economic productivity as fewer individuals suffer from debilitating illnesses that impede work and social engagement.
• Investment in Public Health: Allocating resources for HPV vaccination can enhance public health infrastructure and create a more robust healthcare system capable of addressing other health issues.

What are the barriers to HPV vaccination? 

• High Vaccine Costs: The prohibitive cost of HPV vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix limits their accessibility for many Indian families. Although the indigenous vaccine, CERVAVAC, offers a more affordable alternative, affordability remains a key barrier to widespread vaccination.
• Low Awareness Levels: A significant lack of awareness about HPV and its link to cervical cancer results in poor understanding of the vaccine’s benefits, contributing to low acceptance and coverage rates.
• Cultural and Social Stigma: Cultural taboos around sexual health and reproductive issues discourage parents from vaccinating children, particularly girls, due to misconceptions about the vaccine’s necessity or fears of promoting promiscuity.
• Gender Bias in Vaccination Efforts: The focus on HPV as a women-centric infection leads to insufficient promotion of vaccination among boys and young men, perpetuating gender disparities in healthcare and reducing overall campaign effectiveness.
• Policy and Budgetary Constraints: Despite recommendations for including the HPV vaccine in national immunization programs, delays caused by budgetary limitations and competing health priorities hinder its integration and accessibility.

What strategies can be employed to overcome barriers to HPV vaccination uptake? (Way forward)

• Awareness Campaigns: Implementing educational initiatives to inform communities about the benefits and safety of the HPV vaccine can help dispel myths and cultural stigmas surrounding vaccination.
• Subsidizing Costs: Reducing the financial burden through government subsidies or integrating the vaccine into public health programs can improve accessibility for lower-income populations.
• Engaging Healthcare Providers: Training healthcare professionals to communicate the importance of HPV vaccination effectively can encourage more patients to get vaccinated, particularly among hesitant parents and young adults.

Mains PYQ:

Q What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (UPSC IAS/2022)

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