HPV Vaccination – What Every Parent Should Know

Dr. Rahul Sangolkar
Aug 19
1 min read

In the past few days, I have received several calls from concerned parents and doctors regarding the HPV vaccination drive. Since the Government of Maharashtra has recently started a pilot project in some districts, a few schools have begun administering the HPV vaccine to school-going girls.

As this is an important subject, I would like to share some useful information for parents of school-going daughters.

What is HPV?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a virus that spreads mainly through sexual contact.

Some strains cause genital warts.
Other strains can lead to serious cancers, including cervical cancer, and cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, or anus.

Why is the HPV Vaccine Important?

The HPV vaccine is one of the few vaccines in the world that prevents cancer. It protects against:

✔️ Cervical cancer in women

✔️ Genital warts

✔️ HPV-related cancers in both men and women

This vaccine has been in use in the United States for more than 20 years and has proven safety and effectiveness.

Who Should Take the Vaccine?

Ideal age: 9–15 years (before onset of sexual activity)
Dosage:
- Below 15 years: 2 doses at a 6-month interval
- Age 15–45 years: 3 doses (0, 1, and 6 months)