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India Launches Single-Dose HPV Vaccine (Gardasil-4) for 14-Year-Old Girls Under Mission Indradhanush

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
25 Mar 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:Single dose79% risk reductionAge 14Gardasil-42026
Bodies:ICMRFDAGAVISerum Institute of India
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.India's HPV vaccination programme for 14-year-old girls, using Gardasil-4, began in March 2026 under Mission Indradhanush.

2.A 2026 Swedish cohort study in the BMJ showed up to 79% lower cervical cancer risk for women vaccinated before 17.

3.Public trust remains a key challenge due to past controversies and ongoing safety monitoring through India's AEFI system.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

India has launched a nationwide single-dose HPV vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls under Mission Indradhanush. The rollout of Gardasil-4 vaccine, amidst historical safety debates, aims to significantly reduce cervical cancer risk, supported by recent long-term efficacy data. Its success hinges on transparent implementation and public trust.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Vaccine BrandGardasil-4 (MSD)
Target GroupAll 14-year-old girls
Dosage RegimenSingle dose
ProgrammeMission Indradhanush
Risk Reduction (Under 17)79% lower cervical cancer risk
Study Published InBritish Medical Journal (BMJ) - Feb 2026

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Vaccine Brand: Gardasil-4 (MSD)
  • ›Target Group: All 14-year-old girls
  • ›Target this Data: Single dose of Gardasil-4 for 14-year-old girls.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) evaluating Cervavac.
  • ›Target this Programme: Mission Indradhanush for national immunisation.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which apex biomedical research body in India is evaluating the indigenous HPV vaccine 'Cervavac' for inclusion in the national programme?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the HPV vaccination programme in India:

1. It provides a single dose of the Gardasil-4 vaccine to all 14-year-old girls under Mission Indradhanush.

2. A 2026 cohort study published in The Lancet showed 79% lower cervical cancer risk for women vaccinated before age 17.

3. The indigenous vaccine Cervavac is currently not part of the national programme as its single-dose efficacy is under evaluation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the 2026 Swedish cohort study mentioned in the article, what was the approximate percentage reduction in cervical cancer risk for women who were vaccinated before the age of 17?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is identified as the most critical factor, beyond scientific evidence, for the success of India's HPV vaccination programme?

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