Fear, stigma slow HPV vaccine uptake

HEMA SINGULURI | Hyderabad 

Even as cancer awareness campaigns expand across Telangana, doctors say uptake of the HPV vaccine — one of the most effective tools against cervical cancer — remains alarmingly low due to misinformation, fear and social stigma.

According to oncologists, HPV vaccination coverage in parts of the State is estimated to be close to just 5%. Ramu Damuluri said the numbers reveal a serious gap between awareness and preventive action.

“In a survey I conducted among around 20 people at the hospital, only four had taken the HPV vaccine,” he says. Referring to another assessment involving nearly 50 patients, he adds that only 4-5 individuals reported being vaccinated. “Most of them know about HPV and understand that the vaccine is recommended, but they continue postponing it because of confusion, fear, social stigma and the belief that it is not as dangerous as diseases like COVID-19. That assumption is completely wrong,” he explains. Doctors warn that hesitancy is dangerous because HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-linked cancers.

To improve access, the Telangana government recently launched a free statewide HPV vaccination programme targeting nearly four lakh adolescent girls. Under the initiative, girls aged 14 to 15 years are receiving a single dose of the Gardasil 4 vaccine at government health centres. In private hospitals, the vaccine costs around Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per dose. Doctors note that individuals above 16 years may require three doses.

The programme covers all 33 districts using the U-WIN digital platform for monitoring and reminders. Khammam, Rangareddy and Siddipet are among the better-performing districts, while Narayanpet has reported lower participation.

Doctors also warn that delayed cancer diagnosis is worsening outcomes. Dr. Ramu says fear associated with cancer often pushes patients toward alternative medicine before proper medical evaluation. “Even educated people sometimes return to Ayurvedic centres after hearing there is a possibility of cancer,” he says. “Some patients even try to burn lumps themselves out of fear.” Priyanka says lack of structured screening facilities and misconceptions about family history continue to delay timely diagnosis and treatment.