Kannur to Start Kerala’s Pilot HPV Vaccination Programme for Higher Secondary Students

Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George announced that the Kerala government will start Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for Plus One and Plus Two students. The drive will be piloted in Kannur district, with the formal launch scheduled at Koothuparambu Taluk Hospital on November 3 at 10.30 a.m., to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The Kerala government has taken a proactive approach to tackle the disease. Following the Chief Minister’s directive, the Health Department, under the guidance of the Minister, convened multiple meetings with health experts and technical committees to finalize the vaccination programme.

The Kerala Cancer Care Board had recommended HPV vaccination for high school students. To provide clarity and issue necessary guidelines, the government constituted an expert committee. Based on the committee’s recommendations, the decision was taken to administer the vaccine to higher secondary students and to begin the pilot project.

The Health Department will oversee the implementation of the programme. The pilot aims to raise public awareness about the benefits of HPV vaccination and encourage voluntary participation. The initiative will be carried out in collaboration with various voluntary organisations, including the Lions Club, Rotary Club, and other community groups, the Minister said.