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Published on: May 14, 2025
3 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

HPV Vaccine: Why It Matters In India

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Introduction

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. Every year, thousands of lives are lost to a disease that is almost entirely preventable. The main culprit behind cervical cancer is a virus called HPV, or Human Papillomavirus. Fortunately, there is a powerful tool available to fight this threat: the HPV vaccine. In this blog, we'll explore what the HPV vaccine is, how it works, and why it matters so much in India today.

What is HPV?

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It is a group of over 100 viruses, some of which can lead to cancer. HPV is mainly spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. While most HPV infections go away on their own, some types can cause cervical cancer, as well as other cancers like vaginal, vulvar, anal, and throat cancer.

How the HPV Vaccine Works

The HPV vaccine helps the body develop immunity against the most dangerous types of HPV. It contains harmless virus-like particles that train the immune system to fight the real virus. This means if you are exposed to HPV later in life, your body will know how to fight it off before it can cause harm.

There are several types of HPV vaccines available. The most common ones are:

Cervarix
Gardasil
Cervavac (India's indigenous, affordable vaccine)

These vaccines are safe, effective, and approved by health authorities around the world, including the World Health Organization (WHO).

Why the HPV Vaccine is Crucial for India

India has the highest number of cervical cancer cases in the world. It is estimated that one woman dies every 8 minutes from cervical cancer in the country. This is a serious public health issue, especially because most of these deaths can be prevented with vaccination and regular screening.

Here are some reasons why the HPV vaccine is so important for India:

High Burden of Disease: Cervical cancer accounts for nearly 20% of all female cancer deaths in India.
Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware of HPV and the vaccine, especially in rural areas.
Limited Access to Screening: Regular Pap smears and HPV tests are not easily available in many parts of India.
Young Population: With a large adolescent population, early vaccination can have a major impact on future health.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus. That’s why it is recommended for:

Girls and boys aged 9 to 14 years (ideal age group)
Young women up to 26 years old who haven’t been vaccinated
Young men up to 21 years old in some cases

It’s a two-dose vaccine for children under 15 and a three-dose schedule for older age groups.

Is the Vaccine Safe?

Yes. The HPV vaccine is very safe. Millions of doses have been given around the world with excellent safety records. Side effects are generally mild and include:

Pain or swelling at the injection site
Headache or mild fever
Fatigue

These effects usually go away in a day or two. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

Cost and Availability in India

One of the major concerns for many families is the cost of the vaccine. Fortunately, India has taken big steps to make the HPV vaccine more affordable:

Cervavac, developed by India’s Serum Institute, costs around Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 per dose.
Gardasil and Cervarix, available in private hospitals, may cost Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,000 per dose.

The government is also working to include the HPV vaccine in the national immunization program, especially for adolescent girls.

Common Myths About the HPV Vaccine

There are many myths and misconceptions that stop people from getting vaccinated. Let’s clear up a few:

Myth: It’s only for girls.
- Fact: Boys should also get vaccinated to prevent other types of cancers.
Myth: It causes infertility.
- Fact: There is no evidence linking the vaccine to fertility problems.
Myth: It’s not needed if you're not sexually active.
- Fact: The vaccine works best before exposure to HPV, ideally before any sexual activity.

How SecondMedic Can Help

SecondMedic is committed to helping you and your family stay healthy. We offer:

Online doctor consultations to discuss the HPV vaccine
Help locating nearby clinics that provide the vaccine
Regular health checkup packages including cervical screening

Conclusion

The HPV vaccine is a simple, safe, and effective way to prevent one of the deadliest cancers affecting women in India. With increasing awareness, affordability, and government support, there has never been a better time to take action. Protect yourself and your loved ones by learning more and getting vaccinated today.

If you’re ready to make a difference in your health journey, reach out to SecondMedic to learn more about HPV Vaccine: Why It Matters in India.

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Read FAQs

A. The HPV vaccine protects against the Human Papillomavirus, a major cause of cervical cancer. In India, cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, making early vaccination critical for prevention.

A. The ideal age for HPV vaccination in India is between 9 and 14 years, before exposure to the virus. However, it can be given up to age 26 and in some cases up to 45 years, based on medical advice.

A. Yes, the HPV vaccine is safe and approved by WHO. Common side effects include mild fever, redness, or soreness at the injection site—these usually go away on their own.

A. For children under 15 years, 2 doses are sufficient. For those 15 years and older or with weakened immune systems, 3 doses are recommended for full protection.

A. Yes, adults up to 45 years can receive the HPV vaccine in India after consulting a healthcare provider. It offers protection even if you’ve already been exposed to some types of HPV.

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Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation in the Body: Early Warning Signs Explained

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism that helps the body fight infections and heal injuries. However, when inflammation persists for months or even years without a clear cause, it becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation can silently damage tissues and increase the risk of serious diseases.

In India, rising cases of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune disorders are often linked to long-term inflammatory processes. Recognizing the symptoms of chronic inflammation in the body is essential for early prevention and treatment.

What Is Chronic Inflammation?

Acute inflammation is short-term and occurs in response to injury or infection. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is:

Persistent
Low-grade
Often symptomatically subtle
Linked to long-term health conditions

It may occur due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, stress, obesity or underlying disease.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation

1. Persistent Fatigue

Ongoing tiredness that does not improve with rest may indicate systemic inflammation.

Inflammatory chemicals in the body can interfere with energy production.

2. Joint and Muscle Pain

Unexplained pain, stiffness or swelling in joints may suggest inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Pain may:

Last for weeks
Worsen in the morning
Occur without injury

3. Digestive Issues

Chronic inflammation may affect the gut, leading to:

Bloating
Diarrhea or constipation
Abdominal discomfort
Food sensitivities

Gut health and immune function are closely connected.

4. Frequent Infections

A weakened immune response due to chronic inflammation may result in:

Recurrent colds
Slow wound healing
Persistent sore throat

5. Skin Problems

Inflammatory skin conditions include:

Acne
Eczema
Psoriasis
Rashes

Persistent skin issues may reflect internal inflammation.

6. Brain Fog and Mood Changes

Inflammation can affect brain function, causing:

Difficulty concentrating
Memory issues
Irritability
Low mood

Mental and physical health are interconnected.

7. Unexplained Weight Changes

Inflammation may disrupt metabolism, leading to:

Abdominal weight gain
Difficulty losing weight

Obesity itself can further promote inflammation.

Causes of Chronic Inflammation

Common contributing factors include:

Poor diet high in processed foods
Excess sugar intake
Smoking
Alcohol abuse
Chronic stress
Lack of exercise
Sleep deprivation
Environmental pollution

Addressing these factors is essential for prevention.

Diseases Linked to Chronic Inflammation

Long-term inflammation is associated with:

Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Cancer
Autoimmune disorders
Fatty liver disease
Alzheimer’s disease

Early intervention reduces risk significantly.

How to Reduce Chronic Inflammation Naturally

1. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Include:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Nuts and seeds
Fatty fish
Olive oil

Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar.

2. Exercise Regularly

Moderate physical activity lowers inflammatory markers.

Aim for at least 30 minutes daily.

3. Manage Stress

Chronic stress increases inflammatory hormones.

Practice:

Meditation
Yoga
Deep breathing exercises

4. Improve Sleep

7–8 hours of quality sleep supports immune regulation.

5. Maintain Healthy Weight

Reducing excess body fat lowers inflammation levels.

6. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Both habits promote inflammatory responses in the body.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

Persistent fatigue
Joint swelling
Recurrent infections
Unexplained pain
Long-lasting digestive problems

Blood tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) may help assess inflammation levels.

Chronic Inflammation in the Indian Context

Rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyle and dietary shifts in India have contributed to increasing inflammatory-related diseases. Public awareness about preventive measures can significantly reduce healthcare burden.

Early lifestyle changes play a crucial role in improving long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation may present subtle symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, digestive issues and brain fog. Although often overlooked, long-term inflammation can increase the risk of serious diseases.

Adopting healthy eating habits, regular exercise, stress management and adequate sleep can help reduce inflammation naturally. Recognizing early warning signs and seeking medical advice when needed ensures better long-term health.

Taking proactive steps today can prevent major complications tomorrow.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research – Chronic Disease Reports
World Health Organization – Non-Communicable Disease Guidelines
National Institute of Nutrition India – Dietary Recommendations
Lancet Global Health – Inflammation Research
Journal of Clinical Medicine – Chronic Inflammation Studies

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