Now Reading: HPV vaccination drive in Dakshina Kannada extended to December end
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HPV vaccination drive in Dakshina Kannada extended to December end
The Story in Brief
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls in Dakshina Kannada has reached 50.2% progress and has been extended until the end of December, district health officer Dr HR Thimmaiah said on Tuesday (27 October 2026). He urged parents to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine, which offers up to 95% protection against cervical cancer.
Dr Thimmaiah said cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, with about 1,00,000 cases and 60,000 deaths each year. Out of 16,350 vaccine doses the district received since the national campaign began in February, 8,213 have been administered. The vaccine is available free at all government hospitals, including primary health centres and district hospitals.
He appealed to the public not to be misled by social media rumours and advised parents with doubts to consult specialist doctors. He also urged parents to vaccinate their children against measles and rubella on schedule.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The 50.2% coverage means nearly half of the target girls in Dakshina Kannada remain unvaccinated four months after the campaign began, with the extension buying two more months to close the gap. The source leaves unresolved whether the shortfall is driven by supply, awareness, or the social media rumours the DHO warned against. The December deadline will be the measure of whether the campaign reaches herd-protection levels in the district.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
