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HPV Vaccine in India: Why Every Young Woman Should Consider It

Cervical cancer is still one of the top causes of cancer-related deaths among Indian women, even though it can be prevented. Every seven minutes, one woman dies in India due to this disease. That’s where the HPV vaccine in India becomes so important. It helps protect against the Human Papillomavirus, the main cause of cervical cancer. In 2025, awareness has grown, and many trusted doctors now recommend this vaccine to girls and young women before they become sexually active. It’s a safe and effective step towards better health.

If you’re looking for the best gynecologist for the HPV vaccine in PCMC, clinics like Cloverleaf Speciality Clinic in Wakad and Jupiter Hospital offer care by experienced doctors like Dr. Asmita Dongare. Whether you’re searching for an HPV vaccination center near me in Pune or a trusted HPV vaccination doctor in PCMC, Pune, these centres provide reliable and affordable services. Many women also prefer visiting an HPV vaccine clinic in Wakad due to its convenient location and trusted specialists.

Understanding HPV and Its Impact in India:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses, with over 40 types spreading through direct sexual contact. In India, the statistics are alarming – approximately 123,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, with 77,348 deaths from this disease. This makes cervical cancer the second most common cancer among Indian women, accounting for 22.86% of all cancer cases in women. The burden is particularly severe in India, which contributes more than one-fifth of the global cervical cancer burden. HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers globally and 82% of cervical cancers in India.

What is the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is a preventive measure designed to protect against infections caused by specific types of human papillomavirus that lead to cervical cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related cancers. The vaccine works by training your immune system to recognise and fight HPV before it can cause infections. Currently available HPV vaccines in India include:

  1. Cervavac (an Indigenous Indian vaccine by Serum Institute of India)
  2. Gardasil 4 (Quadrivalent vaccine)
  3. Gardasil 9 (Nine-valent vaccine)

Types of HPV Vaccines Available in India:

Cervavac is India’s first indigenously developed quadrivalent vaccine, protecting against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. It was commercially launched in January 2023 and offers a cost-effective alternative to imported vaccines. Gardasil 4 protects against the same four HPV types as Cervavac, while Gardasil 9 provides broader protection against nine HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58).

Why Should Every Young Woman Consider HPV Vaccination?

Exceptional Protection Against Cervical Cancer:

HPV vaccination provides up to 90% protection against cervical cancer when administered before exposure to the virus. Studies have shown that the vaccine is 97% effective in preventing cervical cancer and related cell changes if given before virus exposure. Research from Sweden involving nearly 1.7 million women showed a nearly 90% reduction in cervical cancer incidence among girls vaccinated before age 17.

Prevents Multiple Types of Cancer:

The HPV vaccine doesn’t just protect against cervical cancer. It also prevents:

  1. Vaginal and vulvar cancers
  2. Anal cancer
  3. Throat and head/neck cancers
  4. Genital warts
Long-lasting Protection:

HPV vaccines provide long-term protection, with individuals monitored for at least 12 years showing no evidence of weakening immunity. The vaccine creates antibodies that provide lasting protection against future HPV infections.

Most Effective When Given Early:

The vaccine works best when administered before exposure to HPV, ideally before becoming sexually active. Young women aged 9-14 years show vaccine effectiveness of 74-93%, which decreases with age.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is best taken early to protect against cervical cancer.
Recommended Age Groups

  1. Girls aged 9-14 years: Two doses, 6-12 months apart
  2. Girls/Women aged 15-26 years: Three doses (0, 2, 6 months)
  3. Adults aged 27-45 years: After consultation with a healthcare provider

The ideal vaccination age is 11-12 years, but catch-up vaccination is recommended for all females through age 26 who aren’t fully vaccinated.

Where to Get the HPV Vaccine in Pune:

If you’re looking for HPV vaccination in Pune, Dr. Asmita Dongare at Cloverleaf Specialty Clinic, Wakad, Near Bhumkar Chowk, is one of the most trusted and experienced gynecologists in the PCMC area. With over 18 years of experience in women’s health, she provides safe, effective, and affordable HPV vaccination for girls and women of all age groups.

She offers both Cervavac (India’s made-in-India vaccine) and Gardasil, following the latest medical guidelines. Dr. Asmita Dongare ensures complete care — from consultation, vaccination, to follow-up doses — all in a friendly and professional setup. She takes time to explain who should take the vaccine, how many doses are needed, and why it’s important for long-term protection against cervical cancer.

For those staying in or around Wakad, Hinjewadi, Baner, or Aundh, her clinic is easily accessible and known for quality care. She also consults at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, for patients preferring a hospital setting. Call: +91 95605 06620 to book your appointment and take a step toward a healthier future.

Side Effects of the HPV Vaccine in India:

HPV vaccines are generally safe with mild side effects. Common side effects include:

Common Side Effects:
  1. Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  2. Mild fever
  3. Headache
  4. Nausea
  5. Dizziness
  6. Fatigue
Rare Side Effects:
  1. Allergic reactions
  2. Fainting (especially in adolescents)
  3. Blood clotting disorders

Serious side effects are extremely rare, making the vaccine a safe choice for the vast majority.

Who Shouldn't Get the HPV Vaccine?

HPV vaccination is not recommended for:

  1. Pregnant women (can be given after delivery)
  2. Individuals with severe allergies to vaccine components
  3. People with moderate to severe acute illness
  4. Those with previous severe allergic reactions to the HPV vaccine

How Does the HPV Vaccine Work?

The HPV vaccine uses virus-like particles (VLPs) that look like the real virus but contain no harmful genetic material. These particles help your immune system recognise and block HPV if you’re exposed in the future. It is a preventive vaccine, meaning it protects against new HPV infections but does not treat existing ones. That’s why getting vaccinated early—before any exposure—is the most effective. For safe and expert HPV vaccination in PCMC, Dr. Asmita Dongare is one of the best gynecologists available at Cloverleaf Specialty Clinic, Wakad.

6 Ways the HPV Vaccine Will Help Indian Women:

  1. Dramatic Reduction in Cervical Cancer Cases: Countries with widespread vaccination programs show significant decreases in cervical cancer incidence
  2. Prevention of Pre-cancerous Lesions: Reduces abnormal cell changes that can lead to cancer
  3. Protection Against Multiple Cancers: Guards against various HPV-related cancers beyond cervical
  4. Reduced Healthcare Costs: Prevents expensive cancer treatments through early intervention
  5. Improved Quality of Life: Eliminates anxiety about HPV-related diseases
  6. Community Protection: Contributes to herd immunity when vaccination rates are high

Benefits of Getting the HPV Vaccine:

The HPV vaccine gives strong protection from cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. It’s safe, effective, and helps both individuals and the community.

Individual Benefits:
  1. Up to 100% efficacy against targeted HPV types when given before exposure
  2. Long-lasting immunity with no evidence of waning protection over 12+ years
  3. Protection against genital warts with an 88% reduction in teenage girls
  4. Peace of mind knowing you’re protected against preventable cancers.
Public Health Benefits:
  1. Helps reduce the spread of HPV in the community.
  2. Cuts down the need for cancer treatment, saving healthcare costs.
  3. Supports India’s goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

Taking the HPV vaccine is a smart step for every girl and woman.

Conclusion:

As India works toward eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem, HPV vaccination stands as our most powerful prevention tool. With one woman dying every seven minutes from this preventable disease, the urgency for widespread immunization cannot be ignored. Every young woman should seriously consider HPV vaccination as an investment in her future health. With exceptional efficacy rates, proven safety profiles, and increasing accessibility, there has never been a better time to get vaccinated. If you’re in the PCMC or Baner area, consider booking your HPV vaccine online appointment in Pune with top specialists in Wakad like Dr. Asmita Dongare, a highly recommended and experienced gynecologist at Cloverleaf Speciality Clinic. Whether you’re seeking the best gynecologist in Baner, Pune, or looking for a reliable vaccination centre, don’t wait. Protect your future—take the step today and get vaccinated.