Free HPV Vaccination for 14-Year-Old Girls at PCMC Hospitals
Pimpri : Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has started a free HPV vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls at all its hospitals to prevent cervical cancer. The campaign was formally launched at New Sangvi Hospital on the occasion of International Women’s Day, where 24 beneficiaries received the vaccine.
The vaccination drive follows the nationwide HPV immunisation programme launched by Narendra Modi on February 28 through the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Under the initiative, girls who have completed 14 years but are below 15 years of age are eligible to receive the vaccine free of cost at civic hospitals.
The three-month campaign is being implemented under the leadership of Mayor Ravi Landge and Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar.
Vaccination sessions will be conducted from 9:30 am to 2 pm at major municipal hospitals including Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital, Talera Hospital, Bhosari Hospital, Thergaon Hospital, Jijamata Hospital, Prabhakar Malharrao Kute Memorial Hospital and Yamunanagar Hospital.
Officials said the HPV vaccine is safe, certified and scientifically proven to prevent cervical cancer. Parents have been urged to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine on time. Girls coming for vaccination should carry an Aadhaar card or school identity card and should have a proper meal before visiting the hospital.
Civic officials emphasised that timely vaccination before the age of 15 provides long-term protection against HPV infection, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer among women.
