NIM inclusion of anti-cancer vaccine may start with 9-14 year olds

The inclusion of this vaccine in the NIM is a significant step in reducing cervical cancer burden among women

Soon, the indigenously developed human-papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which prevents cancer-causing infections, may be part of the National Immunisation Mission (NIM). The standing technical sub-committee of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has recommended inclusion of the vaccine in the central programme.

Sources say the vaccine may be initially given to girls between the age of 9 and 14 years. “Then it can also be expanded to include boys. With an India-made vaccine now, costs will not be so much of a constraint,” said a person close to the development.

Pune-based Serum Institute of India’s (SII) quadrivalent HPV vaccine