Significance of Cervical Health Awareness Month: The Role of HPV Vaccination and Screening
01/06/2026
Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers in women globally. It is also one of the most life-threatening cancers affecting women in developing countries like India. Infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major risk factor for cervical cancer. What sets this cancer apart from many others is that it often develops during a woman’s most reproductive years.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine has brought a major shift in preventive care for cervical cancer. The cervical cancer vaccine, also known as the HPV vaccine, protects against specific types of human papillomavirus that are transmitted through sexual contact and are known to increase the risk of cervical cancer.
As Cervical Health Awareness Month reminds us, protecting cervical health begins with awareness—understanding the role of HPV vaccination and routine screening can make a meaningful difference in prevention. Let’s explore more about the cervical cancer vaccine in Jaipur. This information can help individuals make an informed decision about vaccination after understanding and evaluating their personal risk level.
Read Also: Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap Smears and the HPV Vaccine
What is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine?
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is an immunization regimen that consists of multiple doses and is designed to protect individuals against HPV infection. HPV causes a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Around 40 strains of the human papillomavirus can be transmitted through sexual contact. Nearly 80% of sexually active individuals are likely to contract an HPV infection at some point in their lives due to the virus's extreme prevalence. Often, a strong immune system is able to clear the virus on its own.
Some HPV infections, though, do not go away on their own. One of the earliest signs of persistent infection can be the development of genital warts. Over time, the virus can also cause changes in cells that may lead to cancer. This highlights the importance of the HPV vaccine as a safe and effective way to help prevent HPV-related cancers.
What are the Indications of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine in Jaipur?
Before engaging in sexual activity, everyone—regardless of sex—should get the HPV vaccination. You should know that the HPV vaccination is only effective against types of the virus that you haven't contracted from an infected partner. For this reason, the CDC has set an age range in which the vaccination should be administered.
| Cervical Cancer Vaccine Age Limit | HPV Vaccine Recommendation |
| Children aged 11–12 years | The HPV vaccine is part of the routine vaccination schedule for children aged 11 to 12. Children as young as 9 years can also safely receive the vaccine. The aim is to provide protection before they become sexually active and are exposed to HPV. |
| Adults up to 26 years | The vaccine is recommended for adults up to and including age 26. This also applies to individuals who started the vaccine series earlier but did not complete all doses. |
| Adults aged 27–45 years | In 2018, the FDA expanded the approved age range up to 45 years. Research showed that the vaccine can still help prevent HPV infections in adults within this age group. |
What are the Types of Cervical Cancer Vaccines in Jaipur?
The following are the FDA-approved cervical cancer vaccines in Jaipur:
| HPV Vaccine Type | HPV Strains Covered | Description / Protection | Number of Shots & Timeline |
| Gardasil-9 | HPV-16, 18 | Protects against the two most common high-risk HPV strains responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers, 90% of anal cancers, and several throat and genital cancers. | 2 doses if started before age 15: first dose at month 0, second dose at 6–12 months |
| HPV-31, 33, 45, 52, 58 | Covers additional high-risk strains that cause another 20% of cervical cancers. | 3 doses if started at age 15 or older: doses at 0, 2, and 6 months | |
| HPV-6, 11 | Protects against low-risk strains that cause about 90% of genital warts. | Same schedule as above, based on age at first dose. | |
| Overall protection | The most comprehensive HPV vaccine available since 2017, offering nearly 90% protection against cervical cancer. | Full series needed for complete protection | |
| Gardasil (Original) | HPV-16, 18 | Protects against the main cancer-causing HPV strains. | 3 doses at 0, 2, and 6 months |
| HPV-6, 11 | Protects against strains responsible for most genital warts. | All three doses are recommended | |
| Overall protection | Introduced in 2006; it offers less coverage compared to Gardasil-9. | Series completion improves effectiveness | |
| Cervarix | HPV-16 | High-risk HPV strain linked to cervical cancer. | 2 doses for ages 9–14: at 0 and 6 months |
| HPV-18 | High-risk HPV strain linked to cervical cancer. | 3 doses for ages 15 and above: at 0, 1, and 6 months | |
| Overall protection | Focuses only on cancer-causing HPV strains and does not protect against genital warts. | Schedule depends on age at vaccination. |
What are the Benefits of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine in Jaipur?
The HPV vaccine has the potential to decrease the likelihood of HPV-associated cancers and genital warts in any individual who is sexually active or may become so in the future. If you are male, receiving the vaccination can also safeguard your intimate partners. Although you cannot develop cervical cancer, you may transmit HPV strains that pose a significant risk of cervical cancer to an unvaccinated sexual partner—unless you have been vaccinated.
The most effective safeguard against the virus is for all individuals—regardless of gender—to receive vaccination before engaging in sexual activity.
Cost of Cervical Cancer Vaccine in India
The following information can offer greater clarity regarding the price of the cervical cancer vaccine in India:
| Vaccine Brand | Cost of HPV Vaccine per Dose (Approx.) | Number of Doses Required | Approximate Total Cost of HPV Vaccine |
| Cervavac (India-made) | ?1,400 – ?2,000 per dose | 2–3 doses | ?3,000 – ?5,000 (approx.) |
| Gardasil (4-valent) | ?2,800 – ?4,000 per dose | 2–3 doses | ?6,000 – ?12,000 (approx.) |
| Cervarix | ?2,500 – ?3,500 per dose | 2–3 doses | ?5,000 – ?9,500 (approx.) |
| Gardasil-9 | ?8,000 – ?11,000 per dose | 2–3 doses | ?18,000 – ?30,000+ (approx.) |
Conclusion
Regular screening and the HPV vaccine stand as the most effective measures in the prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV-associated diseases. If you are a parent or caregiver, consult your doctor regarding your child's vaccination. If you are an adult aged 45 years or younger who has not been vaccinated or has not completed the vaccination series, consult your doctor to determine if the HPV vaccine may be advantageous for you. Do not overlook sexually transmitted infections, as they may result in cervical cancer.
Our top cervical cancer experts at Eternal Hospital are always available to provide prompt and private care for cervical cancer vaccination in Jaipur, in a non-judgmental environment. Book your slot now!
FAQs
Q1: How many doses of the HPV vaccine are required?
A: Depending on the age at the first dose, either two or three shots are needed over a period of 6 months.
Q2: Does the HPV vaccine prevent cervical cancer completely?
A: The vaccine significantly reduces the risk but does not eliminate it. Regular cervical screening is still important.
Q3: Can men take the HPV vaccine?
A: Yes. The vaccine is recommended for males, as it helps prevent HPV transmission and HPV-related cancers.