What Are Cervical Cancer Vaccines?

Cervical cancer vaccines (also called Human Papillomavirus or HPV vaccines) protect against the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Indian women and almost 73,000 women die from the disease each year.

This vaccine can be given from 12 to 45 years of age. The vaccines are given in the arm or thigh 3 times—at the first visit, 1-2 months later and 6 months after the first injection. The best protection is achieved after all 3 shots are given. It is important to get all the shots on the recommended time schedule, but if there are delays, complete it as soon as possible.