HPV Vaccine 2026: Benefits, Schedule, Price in India, Side Effects
What is HPV Vaccine?
HPV vaccine (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine) is a preventive vaccine that protects against HPV infection. HPV is a common virus spread through sexual contact. Some high-risk HPV types (especially type 16 and 18) cause cervical cancer .
HPV Vaccine Full Form: Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
How does it work?
The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against HPV. When a vaccinated person is exposed to HPV later, these antibodies prevent the virus from infecting cells .
Which Cancers Does HPV Vaccine Prevent?
HPV vaccine provides protection against the following cancers :
| Cancer Type | Protection |
| Cervical Cancer | 93-100% effective |
| Anal Cancer | Yes |
| Oral Cancer (Throat/Mouth) | Yes |
| Vaginal Cancer | Yes |
| Vulvar Cancer | Yes |
| Penile Cancer | Yes |
| Genital Warts | Yes |
HPV Vaccine in India: Latest Updates (February 2026)
Government Launches Free Vaccination Campaign
The Government of India has taken a historic decision in February 2026, announcing free HPV vaccination for 14-year-old girls .
| Feature | Details |
| Target Age | 14-year-old girls |
| Vaccine | Gardasil (Quadrivalent) |
| Cost | Completely free |
| Consent | Voluntary |
| Where to get | Government health centers, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centers, District Hospitals |
| Start Date | Late February-March 2026 |
Why This Campaign Matters
- India reports 80,000 new cervical cancer cases annually
- More than 42,000 deaths every year
- India accounts for 1/5th of global cervical cancer burden
- Over 80% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV types 16 and 18
State-Level Preparations
Telangana’s Readiness: The Telangana government has stocked 4.6 lakh doses and trained 7,000 ASHA workers for the campaign .
HPV Vaccine Schedule & Doses
New Guidelines: Single Dose is Effective
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Government of India have recognized that for ages 9-14 years, a single dose is equally effective (over 97%) as two doses .
Age-Wise Dose Schedule
| Age Group | Number of Doses | Schedule |
| 9-14 years | 1-2 doses | 0 and 6-12 months (second dose) |
| 15-45 years | 3 doses | 0, 1-2, and 6 months |
| Immunocompromised | 3 doses | 0, 1-2, and 6 months |
Types of Vaccines and Their Protection
| Vaccine | Type | HPV Types Covered | Price |
| Gardasil | Quadrivalent | 6, 11, 16, 18 | ₹2,000-3,500 |
| Gardasil-9 | Nonavalent | 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 | ₹3,500-4,000 |
| Cervavac | Quadrivalent | 16, 18, 6, 11 (Made in India) | ₹2,000-2,500 |
| Cervarix | Bivalent | 16, 18 (Discontinued in India) | – |
Note: The government campaign is using Gardasil. Cervavac may be included after WHO approval .
HPV Vaccine Price in India
Government Hospital Price
- For 14-year-old girls: Free (under new campaign)
- For others: Nominal charges (₹0-300)
Private Hospital Price
| Vaccine | Price per Dose | Total Price (2 Doses) | Total Price (3 Doses) |
| Gardasil | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 | ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 | ₹6,000 – ₹10,500 |
| Gardasil-9 | ₹3,500 – ₹4,000 | ₹7,000 – ₹8,000 | ₹10,500 – ₹12,000 |
| Cervavac | ₹2,000 – ₹2,500 | ₹4,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹6,000 – ₹7,500 |
Note: Private hospitals may charge additional consultation fees.
HPV Vaccine for Men
Yes, men can and should take the HPV vaccine .
Benefits for Men
- Protection against anal cancer
- Protection against penile cancer
- Protection against oral cancer (throat cancer)
- Prevention of genital warts
- Contributes to herd immunity (reduces transmission to women)
Schedule for Men
- 9-14 years: 2 doses (0 and 6 months)
- 15-26 years: 3 doses (0, 1-2, 6 months)
- 26+ years: Doctor’s consultation recommended
Why Men Should Get Vaccinated
- HPV causes 90% of anal cancers and 50% of penile cancers
- Men who have sex with men are at higher risk
- Protects future partners from HPV infection
HPV Vaccine Side Effects
HPV vaccine is extremely safe. More than 500 million doses have been administered worldwide .
Common Side Effects
| Side Effect | Percentage | Duration |
| Pain at injection site | 80-90% | 1-3 days |
| Swelling at injection site | 20-30% | 1-3 days |
| Mild fever | 10-15% | 1-2 days |
| Fatigue | 10-20% | 1-2 days |
| Headache | 10-15% | 1-2 days |
| Nausea | 5-10% | 1-2 days |
Serious Side Effects (Extremely Rare)
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – less than 1 in 1 million
- Fainting (due to needle fear) – lying down while vaccinating helps
Important: According to WHO and CDC, there is no link between HPV vaccine and infertility . Multiple studies have debunked this myth .
How to Get HPV Vaccine?
At Government Hospital (Free for eligible)
- Visit your nearest Ayushman Arogya Mandir (PHC) or government hospital
- Register on the U-Win portal (similar to CoWIN for COVID)
- Free vaccine for 14-year-old girls
- Download vaccine certificate
At Private Hospital (Paid)
- Contact any pediatrician or gynecologist
- Decide dose schedule based on your age
- Get vaccinated and obtain certificate
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is HPV vaccine safe?
YES. More than 500 million doses have been administered worldwide. It is one of the most studied vaccines in medical history .
Q2. Is one dose enough?
YES, for ages 9-14 years, one dose is as effective as two doses (over 97% efficacy) .
Q3. Can pregnant women take it?
NO. It is not recommended during pregnancy. Women can get vaccinated after delivery .
Q4. How long does protection last?
At least 10-15 years of strong protection. Studies suggest it may provide lifetime protection .
Q5. Does it work if already infected with HPV?
YES. If infected with one HPV type, it protects against other types. It also prevents reinfection after the body clears the virus .
Q6. Is testing required before vaccination?
NO. HPV test or Pap smear is not required before vaccination. You can directly get vaccinated .
Q7. What is the gap between doses?
9-14 years: 6-12 months gap
15+ years: 1-2 months between 1st and 2nd, 4-6 months between 2nd and 3rd
Q8. Can adults over 45 get vaccinated?
Generally not recommended. Benefits are limited as exposure has likely occurred. Can be taken after doctor’s consultation .
Q9. Is it available in government hospitals?
YES, free for 14-year-old girls. Others can get at nominal charges .
Q10. Which vaccine is best – Gardasil or Cervavac?
Both are effective. Gardasil has more global data, Cervavac is made in India and more affordable. Consult your doctor .
HPV Vaccine Brands in India: Complete Comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Type | Coverage | Price | Availability |
| Gardasil | MSD Pharmaceuticals | Quadrivalent | 6, 11, 16, 18 | ₹2,000-3,500 | Widely available |
| Gardasil-9 | MSD Pharmaceuticals | Nonavalent | 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 | ₹3,500-4,000 | Metro cities |
| Cervavac | Serum Institute of India | Quadrivalent | 16, 18, 6, 11 | ₹2,000-2,500 | Increasing availability |
Important Announcement
Government of India’s free HPV vaccination campaign starts from late February-March 2026. All 14-year-old girls are eligible. Contact your nearest government health center for more information.
Important Resources
- U-Win Portal: https://uwin.gov.in (For vaccine registration and certificate)
- WHO HPV Information: https://www.who.int/health-topics/hpv
- CDC HPV Guide: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv