HPV Vaccination programme for girls aged 14–15 from March 5

Ludhiana, March 3, 2026: The district administration has finalised elaborate arrangements to vaccinate approximately 40,000 eligible girls in the 14–15 age group under a targeted HPV vaccination programme aimed at preventing cervical cancer. The drive, which is free of cost, will commence on Thursday, March 5, and continue for 90 days across 19 government health institutions in the Ludhiana. 
Eligible girls—those who have completed their 14th birthday but have not yet turned 15—will receive a single 0.5 ml dose of the HPV vaccine, administered intramuscularly in the left arm. Vaccination sites include the District Hospital, sub-divisional hospitals, Community Health Centres, Vardhman Mahavir Civil Hospital (MCH), Urban Community Health Centre (UCHC) Jwaddi, and UCHC Shimlapuri.
Presiding over a review meeting with stakeholders, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Poonam Singh, accompanied by Civil Surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur and District Immunization Officer Dr Harpreet Singh, assured that all preparations are in place for a smooth and seamless vaccination exercise. She instructed officials from health, education, and other departments to coordinate effectively; ensuring girls face no difficulties during the process. Key measures include a mandatory 30-minute post-vaccination observation period and provision of refreshments for the comfort of beneficiaries. Private school associations have also been urged to extend full cooperation for the programme's success. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has been directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to maintain the cold chain for vaccine storage in refrigerators. Departments have also been tasked with conducting widespread awareness campaigns to maximise coverage among girls in the target age group.
Civil Surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur confirmed that the required vaccine stock has arrived in the district and that health staff have received specialised training. Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) have been appointed as nodal officers to oversee implementation. She emphasised that the vaccine must not be administered on an empty stomach, advising girls to have a proper breakfast or meal beforehand. Vaccinated girls will receive a certificate, and their index finger will be marked for record purposes.
Dr Kaur appealed for active support from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other organisations to ensure the initiative's resounding success. This programme forms part of the nationwide effort to protect adolescent girls from Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer.