Ludhiana, June 3 -- The district health department has extended its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign by another 90 days after the drive recorded a poor response, leaving thousands of eligible adolescent girls yet to receive the vaccine aimed at preventing cervical cancer.

The campaign, launched earlier this year for girls aged 14 years who have not yet turned 15, was initially scheduled to run for 90 days. However, health officials said awareness gaps and vaccine hesitancy among parents slowed its progress, prompting the extension.

At a review meeting held at the community health centre, Sudhar, district immunisation officer Dr Harpreet Singh said the department would intensify efforts to identify and vaccinate uncovered ...