State Extends Cervical Cancer Vaccine Deadline to August

The deadline for the State's cervical cancer vaccination programme has been extended by three months, pushing the completion date to August. This decision follows fresh directives from the Union government, extending the initial three-month timeline that began in February.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is being administered to 14-year-old girls. To date, 2,71,071 out of 3,45,000 identified girls have received the vaccine, with no adverse reactions reported.

Vaccine doses were supplied in two phases by the Central government. As the new academic year approaches, officials are mandated to ensure all remaining eligible girls are vaccinated. Awareness campaigns on the importance of vaccination against cervical cancer are also being emphasized.

Performance varies regionally, with Rayalaseema districts like Kurnool and YSR Kadapa, along with Kakinada and Palnadu, showing strong vaccination rates. Conversely, lower rates are observed in districts including Polavaram and Alluri Sitharama Raju.