AP Administers HPV Vaccine to 2.71 Lakh Girls: Satya Kumar

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh has administered the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to 2.71 lakh 14-year-old girls, covering 78.57 per cent of the target population of 3.45 lakh beneficiaries, health minister Satya Kumar Yadav said on Monday.

In his statement, the minister said that the vaccination program aims to protect adolescent girls against cervical cancer. He stated that the Center extended the HPV vaccination campaign by three months from June to August and provided 3.81 lakh vaccine doses to the state in two phases.

Satya Kumar directed health officials to ensure that all eligible girls are vaccinated by August. He said no adverse health issues were reported among the vaccinated beneficiaries.

According to the minister, Kurnool district recorded the highest number of vaccinations with 18,503 doses administered, followed by YSR Kadapa (15,167), Kakinada (13,294), Nandyal (12,988) and Palnadu (12,917).

He asked districts with lower coverage to intensify their efforts to meet their goals. With educational institutions reopening after the summer holidays, the minister instructed the medical staff to reach out to eligible students and ensure that the vaccination program is completed within the stipulated time.