“Together let’s beat cancer. Let us join hands to conquer Cancer caused by HPV.” -World Health Organization
Credit is due to the Indian government for drawing attention to the critical issue of cervical cancer and taking steps to make HPV vaccines more accessible. As a consequence, the awareness regarding the necessity of taking the HPV vaccination is spreading amongst the general public like never before.
In India, cervical cancer stands as the second most prevalent type of cancer among women and 200 women die each day from cervical cancer alone in India. Additionally, one in three men above the age of fifteen years is infected with the Human Papilloma Virus. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective remedy that can prevent these devastating outcomes, and it is most effective when administered during
the preteen years, ideally around ages 11 or 12. However, it can be administered as early as age 9 and up to the age of 26.
Keeping this in mind, Dr. Poorva Lunavat, a dedicated parent, proposed running the HPV vaccination drive at Vikhe Patil Memorial School Pune. The School Principal, Ms. Mrinalini, took the initiative thereupon to conduct this drive in the school.
To spread information on HPV, an awareness programme was conducted for all the parents of students of Stds. V to IX on 20th July 2024 and for the support staff of the school on 27th July 2024 at the school campus. Dr. Poorva Lunavat along with representatives from the Serum Institute shared elaborate insights on the HPV vaccination while addressing concerns regarding the topic. The vaccination facility
was optional for the parents, as the initiative was taken for social awareness and as a noble cause. Dr. Poorva Lunavat negotiated with multiple companies to secure the best possible discounted price, for parents to make an informed choice. Parents were instructed to register for the vaccination of their wards, through the VPMS students’ portal.
The vaccination drive was conducted on Saturday, 10 th August 2024, from 1.30 pm onwards and successfully concluded at 3 pm. A total of 49 parents had registered for the vaccination through the VPMS portal and 3 on the spot registrations were received. All these willing beneficiaries got vaccinated on the school campus. A total of 33 members opted for CERVAVAC, 8 members for GARDISIL 4, and 8 chose
GARDISIL 9. Parents were allowed to accompany their wards during the vaccination.
VPMS has always strived to reach out and give the best to its students and the community. Parents were encouraged to come forward and sponsor the cost of vaccination for the under privileged beneficiaries. This vaccination drive exhibited the synergy that Vikhe Patil Memorial School works with. The Principal Ms. Mrinalini, on behalf of the management and staff extended heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Poorva Lunavat
for her initiative and for the success of the vaccination drive.
Susan Sam
School Health Nurse
