According to official sources, the Health Ministry plans to introduce the HPV vaccination against cervical cancer in the national immunization program for girls between the ages of 9 and 14 in June.

A global tender is anticipated to be announced in April. The sources stated that the ministry will probably announce a global tender in April for 16.02 crore doses of the HPV vaccination, which will be delivered by 2026. In addition to domestic vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India, global vaccine maker Merck is expected to participate in the tender.

The HPV vaccination made in-country by the Serum Institute of India was given market permission in July last year. On January 24, in the presence of the CEO of the Pune-based company, Adar Poonawalla, and its Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Prakash Kumar Singh, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah officially unveiled the Serum Institute-made HPV vaccine, "CERVAVAC."

Three foreign companies produce HPV vaccinations worldwide, and two of those companies sell their doses in India. According to sources, the price of each dose of the vaccine sold on the market exceeds Rs 4,000. A four-valent HPV vaccine was created by the Serum Institute of India, one of the main Indian vaccine producers, with assistance from the Center′s Department of Biotechnology.

The vaccine has been given regulatory approval and is now authorized for use in public health initiatives by NTAGI. Furthermore, the sources also added that three additional Indian vaccine producers are reportedly working on the HPV vaccine at various levels.