Karnataka seventh in HPV vaccination coverage in country, reports just one adverse event following immunisation

While district teams have been asked to address reservations and misconceptions that could affect uptake, karnataka seventh in HPV vaccination coverage in country, reports just one adverse event after immunisation Health office-holders noted that beneficiaries (girls aged between 14 and 15) are.

Key points

• While Ballari recorded 93.8%, Kodagu and Mandya recorded 92.8% and 92.7%, respectively, and Mysuru and Koppal documented 91.3% and 88.8%, respectively.
• As on August 20, Karnataka administered 4, 15, 939 of the 5, 08, 030 single-dose vaccine vials stock allocated to the State, taking cumulative coverage to 81.9%.
• At the bottom of the State's coverage chart is Dakshina Kannada, where 7, 780 of the 16, 350 allocated doses were administered, taking coverage to 47.6%.
• According to official data, Vijayanagar recorded the highest coverage in the State at 98.3%, followed by Kalaburagi and Yadgir at 97.6% and 97.3%, respectively.
• Districts, including Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Chitradurga, Shivamogga, Haveri, Chickballapur, Tumakuru, Bagalkot, Gadag, and Uttara Kannada recorded coverage below 85%.

As on August 20, Karnataka administered 4, 15, 939 of the 5, 08, 030 single-dose vaccine vials stock allocated to the State, taking cumulative coverage to 81.9%. Photo Credit: File photo.

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

Notably, the national data indicated considerable variation in AEFI reporting alongside vaccination coverage. While Madhya Pradesh, which achieved 100% coverage, documented 20 AEFIs, Kerala noted 11, Assam nine, Rajasthan eight, and West Bengal 12. While Andhra Pradesh noted none, bihar documented three. Karnataka's single documented AEFI is among over four lakh doses that have been administered in the State.

For context, the low number of documented AEFIs is significant as the State continues to push coverage during the final weeks of the campaign for adolescent girls. According to Health authorities, beneficiaries (girls aged between 14 and 15) are being monitored for adverse reactions after vaccination, while district teams have been asked to address worries and misconceptions that could affect uptake.

On February 28 this year, the Centre formally introduced the nationwide HPV vaccination programme, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer, Rajasthan. After this, Karnataka initiated its State-level rollout on 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 administration medical colleges in the State.

"We are in seventh place in the country and are confident of covering the remaining 18% by the end of August.The HPV vaccine is a key preventive intervention against cervical cancer, one of the leading cancers affecting women in India, " Ravindranath Meti, State Deputy Director (Immunisation), informed The Hindu.

According to official data, Vijayanagar recorded the highest coverage in the State at 98.3%, followed by Kalaburagi and Yadgir at 97.6% and 97.3%, respectively. Chikkamagaluru and Kolar recorded 96.7% each, Udupi 95.7%, and Vijayapura 95%.

At the bottom of the State's coverage chart is Dakshina Kannada, where 7, 780 of the 16, 350 allocated doses were administered, taking coverage to 47.6%. While Bengaluru South and Bengaluru Rural recorded 88.2% and 90.5%, respectively, the Greater Bengaluru Area (BBMP) recorded 56.3%.

Dr. Meti attributed the slower progress in Dakshina Kannada to misconceptions regarding the vaccine. "We have intensified awareness activities with the involvement of the district administration and Health Minister U.T. Khader, " he remarked.

In practice, the State has 93, 501 doses in stock as on August 20. The Greater Bengaluru Area accounted for the largest share, with 29, 863 doses remaining, followed by Dakshina Kannada with 8, 574.

Notably, the department is additionally looking at expanding 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 continued.

Taken together, the developments around karnataka seventh in HPV vaccination coverage in country, reports just one adverse point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.