Indian HPV vaccine under test for single-dose roll-out for national immunisation programme
The inclusion of India's indigenous Cervavac HPV vaccine into the national immunisation programme has been delayed due to an ongoing ICMR study. This study aims to determine if a single dose of Cervavac generates a stable immune response comparable to Gardasil, following a relaxation by the WHO on HPV vaccine dosage. Previously, the WHO recommended a two-dose schedule, but now suggests single-dose options due to slow introduction and low coverage globally. While Prime Minister Modi launched a campaign using Gardasil-4, the ICMR study's results for Cervavac are expected in 2027, which will inform its official recommendation for a single-dose roll-out.
Key Points
- The indigenous Cervavac HPV vaccine's inclusion in India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is pending an ICMR study.
- The study will assess if a single dose of Cervavac provides sufficient immune response compared to Gardasil.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has relaxed its HPV vaccine dosage recommendations, now suggesting single-dose schedules for girls aged 9-15.
- Prime Minister Modi launched a campaign to vaccinate 14-year-old girls with Gardasil-4.
- The ICMR study results, expected in 2027, are crucial for Cervavac's official recommendation and roll-out.
Exam Facts
- Indigenous HPV vaccine: Cervavac (quadrivalent).
- Vaccine currently used in campaign: Gardasil-4 (developed by Merck).
- Study conducted by: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
- WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) of Immunisation recommended single-dose schedule in March 2022.
- Cervavac was officially launched in September 2022.
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