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.   

What Is Cervical Cancer?

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.  

What Is the HPV Vaccine?

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.

Who Should Get an HPV Vaccine?

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.

HPV Vaccine Dosage Schedule 

 

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

 

Benefits of Cervical Cancer Vaccine 

  • Prevents cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. 
  • Protects against genital tumours.
  • Reduces risk of anal, vulvar, and vaginal malignancies.

Safety of Cervical Cancer Vaccine

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:

  • Swelling or redness at the injection site
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea 

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. 

Cost of HPV Vaccination in India

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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