Cervical cancer, primarily caused by high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), remains a significant health concern for women in India. The advent of HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil 9, Gardasil, and Cervavac, provides a powerful tool in preventing HPV-associated cancers and genital warts.

Gardasil 9, protecting against nine HPV types, is approved for both males and females aged 9 to 45, priced at Rs 10,850 per dose. Gardasil, targeting four HPV strains, is commercially available in India at Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 per dose. Cervavac, the first Indian-made HPV vaccine by the Serum Institute, approved for ages 9 to 26, is priced at Rs 4,000 for a two-dose vial.

Government initiatives in states like Punjab, Sikkim, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra offer free HPV vaccination programs for school girls in specific districts. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) recommends introducing the HPV vaccine into the universal immunization program, targeting adolescent girls in the 9-14 age group.

While recommended for boys and girls from age 9, ideal candidates for vaccination are those not exposed to the virus, typically before becoming sexually active. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement encourages girls aged 9 to 14 to get vaccinated against cervical cancer, reinforcing the importance of these preventive measures.