Chandigarh: 05-06-2026

Responding to recently published media reports concerning the initial coverage of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in Punjab, the Director of Health Services (Family Welfare), Dr. Aditi Salaria , strongly countered the narrative of stagnation. She emphasized that updated data from the field reveals that Punjab’s vaccination campaign is steadily progressing, with 28,718 girls already vaccinated against a target population of 1,84,484 eligible girls identified through a comprehensive house-to-house headcount survey. This translates to nearly 16% coverage, marking a significant step forward.

Dr. Aditi Salaria clarified that initial phases of statewide public health rollouts inherently faced logistical and community inhibitions, which the department is actively and aggressively countering. She informed that this program provides the indigenously developed quadrivalent vaccine for free at selected designated health facilities, dispensaries, and community hospitals, represents a landmark protective umbrella for adolescent girls across Punjab. Rather than viewing early introductory data as a setback, the Director framed it as a foundational baseline from which the state is rapidly scaling its deployment.

Dr. Aditi Salaria explained that although the campaign experienced a slower pace during its initial phase due to ongoing school examinations and due to misinformation and negative videos circulating on social media platforms. To address these concerns, the Health Department intensified awareness activities and released multiple informational videos highlighting the safety, efficacy, and benefits of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer. 

It is pertinent to mention that Dr. Aditi Salaria, herself, also released awareness videos through social media platforms to promote vaccine acceptance and encourage eligible beneficiaries to get vaccinated. As a result, presently, an average of 700–800 girls are being vaccinated every day, reflecting increasing community acceptance and strengthened field-level implementation. 

Crucially, Dr. Aditi Salaria  strongly dispelled the anxieties and negative misinformation surrounding the vaccine's safety and impact on fertility. She unequivocally stated that these claims are entirely baseless, scientifically invalid, and counterproductive to the welfare of our children. The HPV vaccine is a scientifically proven intervention that provides protection against cervical cancer, one of the most preventable forms of cancer among women. It works by creating critical antibodies to prevent the virus from causing carcinogenic changes, thereby directly neutralizing the primary root cause of cervical cancer. 

The Director emphasized that to dismantle cultural hesitations and combat systemic myths, the Punjab government is amplifying its intensive IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities through its Mass Education and Media wing to foster absolute community trust.

Addressing specific early data cited in the news story regarding localized coverage rates, Dr. Aditi Salaria pointed out that updated headcount submitted by districts highlight several major success stories across the state. Shri Muktsar Sahib has emerged as a leading performer, achieving 54% coverage of its target population. Other districts showing encouraging progress include Gurdaspur at 43%, Hoshiarpur at 33%, Amritsar at 32%, and Tarn Taran at 26%. Civil surgeons across all districts have been formally directed to intensify localized immunization networks, utilizing the ongoing summer break transitions to establish robust micro-plans and ensure underperforming areas rapidly bridge the gap.

A key factor behind this accelerating progress has been the tireless efforts of frontline health workers including ASHAs, who continue to conduct daily household visits even during the summer vacation period. These dedicated workers are actively identifying eligible beneficiaries, counselling families, addressing concerns, and motivating parents to ensure their daughters receive this life-saving vaccine. 

Looking forward, Dr. Aditi Salaria  reaffirmed that the state's combat framework against cervical cancer is unwavering. Health officials have expressed absolute confidence that the vaccination drive will continue to accelerate in the coming weeks as schools reopen and awareness activities intensify. 

The growing daily vaccination numbers and strong performance in several districts demonstrate the commitment of the Punjab Government and its healthcare workforce to safeguarding the health of adolescent girls. 

Dr. Salaria concluded by urging parents, teachers, and community leaders to actively join hands with the state government, emphasizing that ensuring timely vaccination today is an absolute necessity to securing a healthier and cancer-free future for the daughters of Punjab.