Why India Is Giving Single Dose HPV Vaccine to 14 Year Old Girls Explained by Doctors

India is preparing to launch a 90 day mega drive to provide free HPV vaccines to 14 year old girls, a move aimed at preventing cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women in the country.

The plan has triggered two key questions. Why is India opting for a single dose HPV vaccine when several countries still follow a two dose schedule? And why is the vaccine being targeted at 14 year old girls when puberty is starting earlier and many countries vaccinate children between 9 and 12 years?

Gynaecologists said the answers are based on science, global guidelines and public health strategy.

Vaccinating at 14: Does it affect protection?

According to guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation, the recommended age for HPV vaccination globally is between 9 and 14 years.

Dr Tripti Raheja, Director, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, said vaccinating girls at 14 years does not reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness.

“The HPV vaccine works best when given before exposure to the virus, which usually happens after the start of sexual activity. Most girls in India are not sexually active in early adolescence and are still HPV-naive at 14.

So vaccinating at this age protects them before any possible future exposure,” she says.

Dr Payal Choudhary, Senior Consultant, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Rosewalk by Rainbow Hospitals, said while some countries vaccinate between 9 and 13 years because the immune response is very strong at that age, vaccination at 14 still provides excellent protection.

“The adolescent immune system is active and responds well to the vaccine. Being vaccinated at 14 does not significantly reduce effectiveness. The main goal is to ensure timely vaccination before exposure,” she says.

Experts said the difference between vaccinating at 11 or 14 is not significant, as long as it happens before exposure to HPV.

Why is India choosing a single dose?

India has decided to follow a single dose HPV vaccine schedule.

Traditionally, many countries recommended two doses for adolescents. However, recent global studies have shown that a single dose can elicit a strong and long lasting immune response, especially when given during early adolescence.

The World Health Organisation has supported single dose schedules based on emerging scientific evidence.

Doctors said one dose is not a compromise but a strategy backed by data. Studies have shown that a single dose provides significant protection against HPV infection and precancerous cervical lesions.

They said the decision is also practical.

A single dose strategy makes it easier to vaccinate millions of girls through school based and public health programmes. It reduces logistical challenges, improves compliance and increases coverage, especially in rural and underserved areas.

“In a country as large as India, ensuring that every eligible girl receives even one dose is a big achievement. A single-dose programme improves reach and participation,” doctors say.

Health authorities will continue to monitor long term effectiveness, but current evidence suggests that protection remains strong.

Preventing cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is largely caused by persistent infection with high risk types of HPV. The vaccine prevents infection from the most common cancer causing strains.

Doctors said the main objective is to vaccinate girls before exposure to the virus. Whether given at 11, 12 or 14, the priority is high coverage and timely administration.

“Earlier vaccination between 9 and 12 years is ideal, but vaccination at 14 is still fully within the recommended range and offers long-lasting protection,” experts conclude.

With the upcoming free 90 day drive, public health authorities aim to reduce future cases of cervical cancer in India.