Indian vaccine for cervical cancer

NEW DELHI: The Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's biggest vaccine maker, has developed the country's first cervical cancer shot that will hit the market later this year, the company and the government said on Thursday. Serum Institute said that the Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) will be available for Rs 200-400. In the first phase, Serum Institute will manufacture 20 crore doses.

Girls aged 9-14 will be vaccinated as part of the National Vaccination Programme. Cervical cancer is most common in women aged 15-44 in the country.

The vaccine was found to prevent cervical cancer in 85–90% of cases. Dr NK Arora, chairman of the COVID Working Group, said that the disease can be completely eradicated within 30 years.