Milestone achieved: 8 million HPV shots administered nationwide

India has reported the administration of more than eight million HPV vaccine doses, according to an official post by the Ministry of Health. The figure is hailed as a breakthrough for preventive healthcare, aiming to reduce the burden of HPV‑associated cancers. The vaccine protects against high‑risk HPV strains that cause up to nine out of ten cervical cancer cases and also guards against cancers of the anus, throat and certain genital tumors. Health authorities recommend the two‑dose schedule for adolescents between 9 and 14 years, while a single‑dose model is being explored under the national immunisation scheme. Adults aged 15 to 45 may receive a three‑dose catch‑up series within a six‑month window. Reported adverse events are mild and short‑lived, including injection‑site discomfort, low‑grade fever, headache or fatigue.