Do you know that every eight minutes, one woman dies of cervical cancer in India? Unfortunately, you read right. This is when we have a vaccination to prevent it. But most people are unaware of it. Those who are aware have many questions in mind regarding cost, schedule, dosage, age, safety and efficacy.
This guide will discuss all these factors, including the cost of the cervical cancer vaccine in India. So, you can make an informed decision for yourself and your children because the HPV vaccine works more effectively when taken early.
Cervical cancer is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Most of these cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Initially, it doesn't produce any symptoms. But as the situation worsens, symptoms become more noticeable. Common symptoms include vaginal bleeding, menstrual bleeding, watery & bloody vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, and pelvic pain.
Around 70% of cervical cancers are caused by type 16 and type 18 strains of the human papillomavirus. The HPV vaccines available in the market work effectively against these two strains and others, too. In India, four popular kinds of HPV vaccines are used:
Brand |
Effective Against HPV Types |
Approved for Age Group |
Gardasil 9 (Nona-valent) |
6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 |
9 to 45 years |
Gardasil (Quadrivalent) |
6,11, 16, and 18 |
9 to 26 years |
CERVAVAC (Quadrivalent) |
6,11, 16, and 18 |
9 to 26 years |
Cervarix (Bivalent) |
16 and 18 |
9 to 25 years |
Discuss with your doctor on which brand’s HPV vaccine you should take.
HPV vaccines work effectively if taken at an early age. The best age to get HPV vaccine is between 9 years and 14 years. People between 15 years and 26 years can also take this vaccine. Those who are above 26 years should consult a doctor whether they should take this vaccine.
Age |
Dosage |
Gap Between Doses |
9 years to 14 years |
2 doses |
2nd dose: After 6 months of 1st dose |
15 years to 26 years |
3 doses |
2nd dose: After 1-2 months of 1st dose 3rd dose: After 6 months of 1st dose |
26 years to 45 years (On doctor’s recommendation) |
3 doses |
2nd dose: After 1-2 months of 1st dose 3rd dose: After 6 months of 1st dose |
HPV vaccines are well tested and clinically proven safe by multiple reputed agencies. However, as with any vaccine, cervical cancer vaccine can have temporary side effects like:
These side effects often go away within sometime and are also considered as a sign that the vaccine is doing its job. So, be assured about the safety of the vaccine.
The cost of cervical cancer vaccine varies depending on the brand and dosage required. Here is an estimate for popular brands of HPV vaccine in India. This price can also vary from hospital to hospital.
Brand |
Cost Per Dose (Approx) |
Cost for 2 Doses (Approx) |
Cost for 3 Doses (Approx) |
Gardasil 9 |
Rs. 10,850 |
Rs. 21,700 |
Rs. 32,550 |
Gardasil |
Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 |
Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 8,000 |
Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 12,000 |
CERVAVAC |
Rs. 2000 |
Rs. 4,000 |
Rs. 6,000 |
Cervarix |
Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,500 |
Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000 |
Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 9,500 |
Note: States like Punjab, Karnataka, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh offer free HPV vaccines for school girls in specific areas. You can check for a nearby facility offering a free HPV vaccine. Some NGOs and private hospitals also offer vaccines at less cost. You can also check with your medical insurance company whether they cover the cost of cervical cancer vaccine.
If you are considering getting an HPV vaccine for yourself or your child, book your appointment now with our experts for more information and vaccination.
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