J&K fully prepared for HPV vaccination

Jammu, Feb 27: Commissioner Secretary Health & Medical Education Department, M. Raju, Friday chaired a high level meeting of the State Task Force regarding rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme.
The meeting was convened to review the preparedness and finalize implementation strategy for the UT-level launch of the HPV Vaccination Programme, which is scheduled to be observed across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on 28th February, 2026, in consonance with the nationwide launch by the Prime Minister.
Director Family Welfare MCH & Immunization J&K presented a PowerPoint Presentation highlighting all operational aspects regarding launch of HPV Vaccine including microplanning, availability of HPV Vaccine across all 20 districts, training of vaccinators and supervisors, robust cold chain management through eVIN, logistics distribution, AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunization) surveillance mechanisms and digital registration and certification through the U-WIN portal.
Target age group was also discussed viz. 14 year old girls (those who have celebrated their 14th birthday but have not yet celebrated their 15th birthday). Girls who will turn 15 years within 90 days of the launch will also be eligible for vaccination during these three months campaign period.
It was informed in the meeting that a total of approximately 1,35,340 eligible beneficiaries have been identified for vaccination across the Union Territory.
Besides, roles and responsibilities of state, district and block-level stakeholders were discussed in detail. Special emphasis was laid on interdepartmental coordination, especially with the Education Department and ICDS for beneficiary mapping and community mobilization.
Key messages for caregivers were also highlighted, including the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, the need to wait for 30 minutes post-vaccination for observation, awareness about minor self-limiting AEFIs and availability of vaccination certificates through U-WIN.
The Secretary reiterated the importance of supportive supervision, daily monitoring, timely reporting and functional AEFI committees at all levels. He also directed the Joint Director Information to spread awareness regarding the vaccination. He stressed the need for consistent communication to counter misinformation and ensure community confidence.
The Secretary directed all the stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation of the programme, robust monitoring and 100% coverage of eligible girls across the Union Territory. He also expressed satisfaction over the preparedness made by the concerned departments.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to make the HPV Vaccination Campaign a success in J&K and contribute towards the long-term goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Jammu/Srinagar; Mission Director, National Health Mission, J&K; Director, SKIMS Soura; District Development Commissioners J&K and Director, Health Services Jammu/Kashmir; Director, Family Welfare, MCH & Immunization, J&K; Director, School Education Jammu/Kashmir; Joint Director, ICDS, J&K; Joint Director, Information Jammu, Deputy Director, AYUSH, J&K; Principals of Government Medical Colleges and Principal, SKIMS Medical College Bemina along with their Medical Superintendents; Chief Medical Officers; ; State Immunization Officer J&K; Surveillance Medical Officer WHO Jammu/Kashmir and State Programme Officer, UNDP, among other senior officers.