Heat wave halts HPV vaccination drive in State
PNS
Ranchi
The anti-cervical cancer vaccination programme in Jharkhand, medically known as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive, has remained on hold across the state since May 26 following concerns over prevailing heatwave conditions.
In a letter issued on May 26, the Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) directed all civil surgeons in the state to temporarily suspend the vaccination campaign. The communication cited the ongoing heatwave and instructed district health authorities to focus on creating awareness about the vaccine among parents and guardians during the suspension period.
Health officials have expressed concern over the poor response to the vaccination drive, which targets adolescent girls aged 14 years and below 15 years. Despite the vaccine being provided free of cost and requiring only a single dose, the overall coverage across Jharkhand has remained below three percent.
Palamu District Reproductive and Child Health Officer (DRCHO) Dr S.K. Ravi said the state NHM had allocated 11,000 doses of the HPV vaccine to the district. However, before the temporary suspension came into effect, only 157 eligible girls had received the vaccine.
Dr Ravi said the remaining vaccine doses are being preserved carefully to prevent any wastage and ensure their availability once the programme resumes.
Expressing concern over the low uptake in urban areas, he noted that only two eligible girls had been vaccinated in Daltonganj town. He attributed the poor response not to a lack of awareness but to hesitation among parents in preparing their daughters to receive the vaccine at the recommended age.
At the same time, Dr Ravi appreciated the response from rural health centres. Lesliganj Community Health Centre recorded the highest number of vaccinations in the district with 45 beneficiaries, followed by Chainpur Community Health Centre with 37 vaccinations.
The district health official urged parents to encourage their daughters in the eligible age group to receive the vaccine once the state government lifts the temporary suspension. He emphasized that HPV vaccination is a crucial preventive measure against cervical cancer and can play a significant role in safeguarding the health of young girls.
