Free vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls to continue until July 18; administration urges parents to ensure maximum participation
TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 13,2026: A week-long Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign has commenced in Dhamtari district to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer, with the Health Department providing free vaccines to all eligible 14-year-old girls until July 18.
The special vaccination drive is being conducted across schools and health institutions as part of a coordinated effort to improve preventive healthcare and safeguard the long-term health of young girls.
The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) said HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer and that timely vaccination is the most effective and scientifically proven method to prevent the disease. He emphasized that the vaccine offers long-term protection and significantly reduces the future risk of developing cervical cancer.
To ensure widespread coverage, the Health Department has made vaccination facilities available at district hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), selected schools and designated vaccination session sites across the district.
The campaign is being implemented jointly by the Health Department, the Women and Child Development Department and the Education Department to ensure that every eligible beneficiary is reached.
Appealing for public participation, the Dhamtari Collector urged parents and guardians to ensure that their 14-year-old daughters receive the free vaccine. He said securing a healthy future for daughters is a collective responsibility and advised people not to be influenced by rumours or misinformation regarding the vaccine.
The Collector also appealed to public representatives, teachers, Anganwadi workers, Mitanins, voluntary organisations and social groups to actively support the campaign and help transform it into a mass public health movement.
Officials said the administration is committed to ensuring that no eligible girl in the district is left out of the life-saving vaccination programme.
