Vaccination drive against cervical cancer launched in Ernakulam

Kochi: Vaccination drive among children against cervical cancer started in Ernakulam on Saturday as part of the nationwide drive. Corporation councillor KVP Krishnakumar inaugurated the drive at Ernakulam General Hospital. The goal is to vaccinate 15,934 girl children aged 14 years in the district.Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in India, with statistics indicating that 11.6 out of every 100,000 women are affected annually. Mortality rate is 5.1 per 100,000 women per year. Timely human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical screening can reduce risk of cervical cancer. As a preliminary step to include vaccine against cervical cancer in the national immunisation schedule, HPV vaccination is being initiated for 14-year-olds.Free HPV vaccination is available for 14-year-old girls at all govt health centres. To book vaccination, register on U-WIN portal.