Free HPV Vaccination Launched in Gurugram

The health department in Gurugram has initiated a free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting 14-year-old girls to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. The first phase of the immunization drive aims to provide vaccinations to approximately 30,000 girls by May 31, 2026.

The campaign utilizes the Gardasil-4 vaccine, which provides protection against four high-risk HPV types: 6, 11, 16, and 18. According to Dr Lokveer Singh, the chief medical officer of Gurugram, these are among the most common variants that pose a serious risk to the health of women.

The initiative is designed to improve accessibility to the vaccine, which typically costs ₹4,000 or more at private health facilities. By providing the shots free of cost, officials intend to increase immunization coverage against cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women in India.

Vaccine Scope and Target Population

The vaccination drive specifically targets adolescent girls who are 14 years old and have not yet turned 15. The campaign began on February 26, 2026, at the Civil Hospital in Sector 10A, as well as at sub-divisional hospitals located in Farrukh Nagar, Pataudi, and Sohna.

The rollout is expanding in phases to include additional health centers. The campaign now encompasses a polyclinic in Sector 31 and approximately 30 primary health centres (PHCs) and urban primary health centres (UPHCs). Other expansion areas include Ghangrola and Borha Kalan.

This local effort is part of a larger universal vaccination drive by the state of Haryana. The state has received 1.14 lakh HPV vaccine doses and expects to vaccinate around 3 lakh beneficiaries throughout 2026, with a goal to complete initial coverage within 100 days.

Implementation and Digital Tracking

To ensure accuracy and prevent duplication, the health department is employing several digital and physical tracking measures. All vaccinations are recorded on the U-WIN portal, and beneficiaries are issued digital vaccination certificates.

The process for obtaining consent involves two primary methods: OTP-based consent via the digital portal or written parental consent. Health officials are using finger-marking to ensure that individuals are not vaccinated more than once.

Administrative oversight for the drive includes coordination meetings to fast-track the rollout. A meeting was held under the chairmanship of ADC Shri Sonu Bhatt to review the HPV vaccination drive and strengthen routine immunization and maternal and child health services in the district.

Rollout Challenges and Current Progress

Despite the availability of free vaccines, initial turnout has been low. As of April 3, 2026, approximately 316 girls had received HPV doses at government hospitals in the district.

Health officials have identified several factors contributing to the slow start, including:

• Lack of awareness among the target population
• Initial vaccine hesitancy
• Social stigma surrounding the vaccine
• School examinations coinciding with the rollout

The district task force is conducting regular meetings to review the status of the rollout and address these barriers. Once the initial three-month drive concludes, the HPV vaccine is expected to be integrated into routine immunization services.

The first phase is focused on providing a free vaccination shot to teenage girls aged 14, which usually costs around ₹4,000 or more at private health facilities. The vaccine is used to protect against four high-risk HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18), among the most common variants posing a serious risk to the health and well-being of women

Dr Lokveer Singh, chief medical officer of Gurugram