Ludhiana, May 10 -- Nearly 70 days into a special 90-day HPV vaccination campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer, Ludhiana has vaccinated only 340 girls against a target of nearly 40,000 eligible beneficiaries, raising concern over the slow pace of coverage.

The campaign, launched by the health department on February 28, targets girls who have completed 14 years of age and entered their 15th year, an age group considered suitable for timely protection against cervical cancer.

According to health officials, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is administered as a single dose and offers nearly 82% protection against cervical cancer. The vaccine being used in the campaign is quadrivalent in nature and protects against multiple HPV ...