Trichy corporation to administer 10,000 girls with HPV vaccine

Trichy: Trichy corporation has enumerated at least 10,000 girls aged 14 years across the city to be vaccinated with the HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine), aimed at preventing high-risk virus strains from causing cervical cancer. The vaccine, which cost around Rs 9,000 in private healthcare, is being administered free of cost in the ongoing drive in 18 urban primary health centres (UPHCs) and govt hospital facilities in the city.Sponsored by the Union and state govts, the intramuscular injection is administered only if the parents of the girl give assent. A one-time password (OTP) will be generated and sent to the mobile number of a parent. It is mandatory to register personal details of the beneficiary in the centralised portal. Launched on Feb 28, Trichy corporation is planning to complete the drive within the next three months. Corporation councillors and anganwadi workers are creating awareness among parents about the purpose of the immunisation, and eligible girls are being informed about the benefit of the HPV vaccine in eliminating risks of cervical cancer.The vaccines are administered only in the presence of medical officers at the facilities equipped with cold chain infrastructure. "We are administering HPV between 9am and 2pm. The beneficiary should consume food before the vaccination. Acceptance is high among parents. Micro plans were drafted to cover all eligible girls," Subash Gandhi, city health officer, said.Fatigue, headache, and fever are minor side effects of immunisation. Certificates will be provided to girls who were administered the vaccine