MCWB Initiates HPV Vaccination Drive, Aims to Increase Access to Preventive Care

On 21st September, 2026, the Ministry of Community Well-Being (MCWB) sent a university-wide email announcing an upcoming HPV vaccination drive, offering students and faculty access to three vaccines at a 10% discount on their respective MRPs. The drive dates will be confirmed after sufficient responses are received.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly common sexually transmitted infection that has been linked to several forms of cancer. The vaccine is a preventive measure that protects against infection from vaccine-covered types and, consequently, reduces the risk of HPV-related cancers. HPV is particularly associated with cervical cancer, which remains a significant public health concern in India. 

As of 8th October, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified CERVAVAC, the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) developed by the Serum Institute of India, expanding its accessibility to United Nations agencies and countries running HPV immunisation programmes. Launched in February 2026, the national vaccination campaign primarily targeted 14-year-old girls across States and Union Territories. In July 2026, the Delhi High Court heard a public interest litigation seeking a review of the vaccine’s introduction, citing concerns over potential side effects. The court has maintained that vaccination remains voluntary, with the next hearing scheduled for 29th October, 2026.

According to the MCWB’s announcement, the University is currently offering a choice between 3 types of vaccines at a 10% discount on the MRP, varying by manufacturer and price. The available vaccines are: Cervavac, Serum Institute of India (Rs 1,800/-); Gardasil 4, MERCK (Rs 3,534/-); Gardasil 9, MERCK (Rs 9,855/-). These values only reflect the price for one dose. The drive is open to students and faculty of all genders. The aforementioned drive, however, will only be conducted for the first dose of the vaccination. Students are encouraged to visit the infirmary for subsequent doses, provided they inform staff beforehand. There are, in total, 3 doses required for individuals aged 15 and above and 2 doses for individuals aged 9-14 years of age. The doses are spaced out over several months. 

In a follow-up email, the MCWB encouraged members of the university community to sign up for the drive in the provided form and conveyed that the drive could only be conducted if a minimum number of people signed up for it. As of the latest communication, the required number had not yet been reached, although the MCWB indicated that registrations were close to the threshold.

In conversation with The Edict, Minister of Community Well-Being, Mihir Eshan (UG ‘28) shared that the Ministry is very satisfied with the response to the drive. “It’s a first on campus, and our physical health team has been working with the Chief Medical Officer, who has been very supportive as usual! With 3 vaccine options and subsidised costs, inclusivity has been at the core, while helping everyone make informed decisions.” He also added that the Ministry has several new initiatives planned for the year.

The initiative marks an effort by the MCWB to expand access to HPV vaccination on campus and encourage preventive healthcare among members of the university community.

[Edited by Antara Kulkarni, Ananya Mahnot and Avika Mantri.]