HPV Vaccine in India: Who Needs It and Why Screening Still Matters

By Dr. Prithivi Perum, Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Fertility Expert & Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeon at Mathrutva Women Healthcare, Manikonda, and Medicover Women & Child Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Quick answer: The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus types that cause most cervical cancers. It works best before sexual exposure, including for girls in the national age group, and catch-up vaccination is still considered for many older teens and young women. The vaccine does not replace Pap or HPV screening.

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers we can largely prevent. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV is the main cause. India now offers HPV vaccination for adolescent girls through the public programme, and private clinics continue catch-up doses for eligible patients. Dr. Prithivi Perum discusses the vaccine during woman health checkups at Mathrutva, Manikonda.

Why HPV Vaccination Matters

Most HPV infections clear on their own. A minority persist and, over years, can cause precancer on the cervix. Vaccines used in India target the highest-risk types. They do not treat an infection that is already present, and they do not cover every HPV type, which is why screening continues.

Who Should Ask About It

• Girls in the adolescent age group recommended by the current Indian immunisation schedule - parents can confirm the latest public-programme age band with the clinic or their paediatrician
• Older teens and young women who missed earlier doses and want catch-up, if they are still within the age range of the vaccine product
• Women who ask about vaccination after a normal or abnormal screening result - the answer depends on age, doses already taken, and the screening plan

Dose number and spacing depend on age and the brand in stock. Those details change, so they are confirmed on the day rather than copied from an old article. Pregnancy is a reason to postpone the vaccine until after delivery. Breastfeeding plans and other vaccines are reviewed at the same visit.

Vaccine Plus Screening

Vaccinated women still need cervical screening on the schedule that fits their age. A Pap smear or HPV test finds cell changes the vaccine did not prevent. Screening is also the safety net for women who were vaccinated after they may already have been exposed.

“The vaccine lowers risk. The screening test tells us what is happening on the cervix now. We use both.”

- Dr. Prithivi Perum

What Happens at a Clinic Visit

The visit covers age, pregnancy status, previous doses, and any severe allergy. The injection is given in the arm. Soreness and mild fever can follow. You leave with the date of the next dose if a series is needed, and a reminder for your next screening test.

Families from Puppalaguda, Gachibowli, Financial District, Kondapur, and Manikonda can book an evening slot, Monday to Saturday, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Summary

HPV vaccination is a practical way to lower cervical cancer risk in India. It is most effective before exposure, catch-up still helps many young women, and Pap or HPV testing remains part of care.

Key Takeaways

• Ask about the vaccine for adolescent girls and for young women who missed it.
• Confirm the current dose schedule in clinic - products and public programmes are updated.
• Keep up cervical screening even after vaccination.
• Postpone the vaccine if you are pregnant.