Shimla, February 24 Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta chaired a meeting on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the statewide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, which will be launched from February 28.
The campaign is being conducted under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
During the meeting, Gupta directed the concerned departments to raise awareness through panchayati raj institutions, urban local bodies, schools, and various media platforms so that parents and beneficiaries are informed about the benefits, safety, and free availability of the vaccine.
Addressing the meeting, the CS said, "The HPV vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women in India. Scientific studies have confirmed that the vaccine is safe and effective, and it is widely used in many countries worldwide."
Under this campaign, approximately 67,000 eligible girls between the ages of 14 and 15 will be given a single-dose vaccine free of cost.
Vaccination sessions will be held on March 29, April 5, and April 12.
Additionally, special sessions will be held on April 19, May 10, May 24, and June 21 for those who miss the initial rounds of vaccination, he said.
The CS further said that vaccination will be conducted at 378 identified government health institutions by trained healthcare workers, with proper cold chain management.
He said that registration and monitoring will be carried out digitally through the U-WIN portal, and parental consent will be ensured.