Karnataka achieves 81.9% HPV vaccine coverage with just one minor side effect reported

Karnataka has recorded the seventh-highest Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage in the country, with 81.9% of its allocated doses administered as of August 20. The State has reported just one minor adverse event following immunisation (AEFI), one of the lowest among States with substantial coverage, according to official campaign data.

The nationwide HPV vaccination programme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer, Rajasthan, on February 28, aims to protect adolescent girls against cervical cancer. Karnataka initiated its State-level rollout the same day at K.C. General Hospital in Bengaluru. The vaccine is being administered through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, taluk and district hospitals, and government medical colleges.

As of August 20, Karnataka administered 4,15,939 of the 5,08,030 single-dose vials allocated to the State, achieving 81.9% cumulative coverage. The remaining 18% is expected to be covered by the end of August, according to Ravindranath Meti, State Deputy Director (Immunisation).

The AEFI data reveals considerable variation across States. Madhya Pradesh, which achieved 100% coverage, reported 20 AEFIs; Kerala reported 11, Assam nine, Rajasthan eight, West Bengal 12, and Bihar three. Andhra Pradesh reported none. Karnataka’s single reported AEFI is among over four lakh doses administered in the State. Health officials noted that beneficiaries—girls aged 14 to 15—are being monitored for adverse reactions, and district teams have been directed to address concerns and misconceptions that may affect vaccine uptake.

District-wise, Vijayanagar recorded the highest coverage in Karnataka at 98.3%, followed by Kalaburagi at 97.6% and Yadgir at 97.3%. Chikkamagaluru and Kolar each recorded 96.7%, Udupi 95.7%, and Vijayapura 95%. Coverage in Ballari stood at 93.8%, Kodagu 92.8%, Mandya 92.7%, Mysuru 91.3%, and Koppal 88.8%.

Eleven districts recorded coverage below 85%, including Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Chitradurga, Shivamogga, Haveri, Chickballapur, Tumakuru, Bagalkot, Gadag, and Uttara Kannada. Dakshina Kannada recorded the lowest coverage at 47.6%, with 7,780 of its 16,350 allocated doses administered. The Greater Bengaluru Area (BBMP) recorded 56.3%, while Bengaluru South and Bengaluru Rural recorded 88.2% and 90.5%, respectively.

Dr. Meti attributed Dakshina Kannada’s slower progress to misconceptions about the vaccine. “We have intensified awareness activities with the involvement of the district administration and Health Minister U.T. Khader,” he said. The State had 93,501 doses in stock as of August 20, with the Greater Bengaluru Area holding the largest share at 29,863 doses, followed by Dakshina Kannada with 8,574.

The department is also exploring expansion of HPV vaccination beyond the current campaign. “After the campaign, we are working on a proposal to vaccinate 15-year-old girls in the State,” Dr. Meti added. Cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers affecting women in India, and the HPV vaccine is a key preventive intervention.