Punjab HPV vaccination coverage stands at 21 per cent
Low uptake in the state is attributed to misinformation, hesitancy and poor awareness, according to The Tribune.
Punjab has recorded only 21 per cent coverage for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, compared to over 90 per cent in Himachal Pradesh, according to The Tribune.
The national campaign, which launched in February 2026, provides a free single-dose vaccine to 14-year-old girls to prevent cervical cancer.
Health experts suggest the low uptake is caused by misinformation, hesitancy and a lack of awareness rather than a lack of vaccine availability.
Ludhiana Civil Surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur said that cervical cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women after breast cancer.
Dr Kaur noted that India accounts for almost one-fourth of cervical cancer deaths globally and explained that vaccination during adolescence is vital because the disease typically affects women aged 35 to 55.
The state has extended the campaign until December and is increasing outreach efforts to address myths regarding vaccine safety and fertility.