Cervical Cancer Vaccine Cost in India: A New Era of Prevention

Overview

Cervical cancer casts a dark shadow over India, claiming one woman’s life every eight minutes. It’s one of the most common cancers among women, particularly those under 45 years old. Each year, 1.23 lakh new cases are reported, leaving behind shattered families and a devastating void.

The main culprit? 

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 70% of these cases. The quadrivalent vaccine, which targets four major HPV strains, can reduce the incidence of cervical cancer by 9% when administered before infection.

Dr. Swapna Chekuri, a renowned gynecologist, emphasizes the importance of vaccination. “Cervical cancer, largely caused by HPV, can be significantly reduced through vaccination with Gardasil or Cervarix,” she explains. Dr. Chekuri highlights that these vaccines are most effective when given to girls and boys aged 9 to 14. She urges parents to vaccinate their children early and stresses the need for increased awareness and accessibility of these vaccines to curb cervical cancer rates in India.

Let's take a look at some statistics:

• 123,907 new cases of cervical cancer are reported each year in India.
• 77,348 women die annually from the disease, leading to broken families and communities.

Early detection through Pap smears and HPV testing remains inadequate, often leading to late-stage diagnoses.

Take charge of your health and your life. Consult with one of the top oncologists today to learn more about the HPV vaccine and how it can benefit you.

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is present in 99.7% of all cervical cancer cases worldwide. According to WHO, HPV types 16 and 18 account for about 70% of cervical cancer cases. Diagnostic procedures for cancer include CT scans, bone scans, MRI, biopsy tests, and PET scans.

The HPV vaccine stimulates the body to produce antibodies that prevent the virus from infecting cells and causing cancer. In India, two types of HPV vaccines are available: Gardasil and Cervarix. Gardasil protects against HPV 6 and 11, while Cervarix protects against HPV 16 and 18. Notably, Gardasil9, introduced in 2021, is India’s first gender-neutral HPV vaccine for both boys and girls.

Are you aware of the costs of HPV vaccines in India? Let's explore this in detail.

HPV Vaccine Cost in India

HPV vaccine price in India in 2024 ranges between:

Cervavac (India's indigenous vaccine):

• Government program: Rs. 200-400 per dose (subsidized rate)
• Private practitioners: Rs. 1400-1600 per dose

Gardasil (imported vaccine):

• Private market: Rs. 3710 per dose.

The cost of the HPV vaccine in India varies depending on the type of vaccine. The quadrivalent vaccine, Gardasil-4, costs around ₹3957 per dose. The latest nonavalent vaccine, Gardasil-9, is more expensive, costing around ₹11,660 per dose. 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations are given in 2 to 3 doses, depending on the patient's age at the initial vaccination.

Cervical cancer vaccine costs in India are much lower compared with those of the world's developed nations. Given below are the cervical cancer vaccine costs country-wise: 

Note: Please note that these prices are subject to change, and you should check with your healthcare provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What is the difference between Gardasil and Cervarix Vaccines?

Gardasil and Cervarix are both vaccines developed to prevent the human papillomavirus HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that may cause cervical cancer, among other health complications. However, there are key differences between them:

1. HPV Strains Covered:

• Gardasil: Originally, Gardasil was a vaccine guarding four strains of HPV—6,11, 16, and 16 and 18% of HPV cause cervical cancer, while types 6 and 10 are responsible for genital warts. Gardasil's newer version, Gardasil 9, covers five more cancer-causing strains 31, 33.
• Cervarix: One of these vaccines involves protection against HPV types 16 and 18, the two strains that are typically associated with cervical cancer.

2. Gender Usage:

• Gardasil: Initially, it was approved for use in females and males. It not only avoids cervical cancer in women but also helps to keep off genital warts and anus, vulva, and vagina cancers. For males, it can prevent genital warts and anal cancer.
• Cervarix: Primarily for females and mainly focuses on cervical cancer prevention.

3. Vaccine Technology: 

Gardasil: 1 It is a vaccine recombinant technology that utilizes genetically modified virus-like particles VLPs from the outer protein of HPV.

Cervarix: It also employs a similar VLP technology but incorporates its adjuvant, AS04, which is proprietary to that company and tailored to augment immune reaction.

4. Duration of Protection:

Both vaccines offer long-term protection, and the duration of protection is similar. However, the precise time this immunity lasts and whether booster shots are required are still being researched.

5. Efficacy:

It has been demonstrated that both vaccines are highly effective in preventing attacks with HPV types 16 and 18. Gardasil also demonstrates effectiveness against other HPV types, causing cancer and genital warts with a wider range.

6. Approval and Availability:

• Gardasil: It is widely available and approved for both females and males in many countries worldwide.
• Cervarix: Also very adequate but predominantly on female immunization regimes.

7. Scheduling:

The vaccination schedule is usually similar. It consists of pairs or three injection regimens over several months, varying by the age at which the child is first immunized.

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How Does the HPV Vaccine Prevent Cervical Cancer?

The HPV vaccine protects patients from viral diseases in the same manner that other vaccines do. It increases antibody production in the body, thus preventing the virus from infecting cells in the future.

In today's HPV vaccines, virus-like particles (VLP) are used. Despite the presence of HPV surface components, the vaccinations are not infectious due to the absence of the HPV DNA. The VLPs promote large-scale antibody creation in the body. 

However, please note that the HPV vaccine does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases or treat existing HPV infections or problems.

As you already know about the costs of the HPV vaccine, now let's know about the age criteria for the HPV vaccine.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine for Cervical Cancer?

HPV vaccine for cervical cancer should be given to the following people: 

• Children and adults from 9 to 26 years old: The cervical cancer vaccine age is from 11 to 12 years old for best effectiveness. It can be administered to girls and boys as early as age 9. The vaccine will show the best results if girls and boys receive the shot before being sexually active. The vaccine will not be very effective once someone is already infected with HIV. Moreover, young children respond to the vaccine better than older people. 

In theory, vaccinating boys against cervical cancer might also protect girls from the virus by reducing transmission. 

• Adults from 27 to 45 years old: While there is no cervical cancer vaccine age limit, it is not recommended for all adults from 27 to 46 years old. People in this category take the HPV vaccine in India only after consulting their doctors. Since people in this age range are already exposed to the virus, the vaccine’s effectiveness decreases. 

How is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine in India Administered?

Studies suggest that widespread HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening could prevent up to 70% of cervical cancer cases (IARC, 2020). Based on current incidence rates, this translates to potentially averting 24 lakh cases (2.4 million) in India. So, vaccination is really important.

The cervical cancer injection is given as a series of shots.

• Kids and teens from age 9 to 14: The cancer vaccine in India is given in 2 shots throughout 6 to 12 months. 
• Teens and young adults from age 15 to 26: The HPV vaccine is given in three shots over six months. Children aged 9 to 14 with weaker immune systems might also receive three shots. 
• Adults aged 26 to 45: Doctors discuss HPV vaccination with adults most likely to benefit. Likewise, the number of doses is also decided and administered. Otherwise, HPV vaccination doesn’t need to be discussed with most adults over the age of 26. 

Where can you get the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer in India?

Many reputed hospitals and centers are administering the HPV vaccines in India. Here is a list of the five best for you: 

 I. Apollo Hospital, Mumbai

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• Apollo Hospital offers top-class multidisciplinary healthcare services.
• It offers 360-degree healthcare solutions, from preventive and routine wellness to innovative life-saving treatments and diagnostic services. 
• Doctors at Apollo strongly recommend young girls get cervical cancer vaccines.

 II. Narayana Hospital, Kolkata

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• Narayana Multispecialty Hospital is an Indian chain of multi-speciality hospitals across various cities. 
• It has a great reputation in the healthcare ecosystem for services such as bone marrow transplants, breast cancer treatment, and cardiac surgery. 
• Doctors here believe the HPV vaccine and regular cervical screenings are the best way to win over cervical cancer.  

 III. Oyster Multispecialty Clinic, Bangalore

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• Oyster Multispecialty Clinic was established in 2005 as a multidisciplinary hospital. 
• It is one of the best hospitals in Bangalore that provides HPV vaccines for cervical cancer.
• This hospital is famous for its services like obstetrics, female fertility treatment, lactation counselling, gynae problems, ultrasound and so on.

 IV. Tulip Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad

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• Tulip Hospital is an apex center for women’s care and laparoscopic surgery.
• It is also one of the leading IVF centers in Ahmedabad. 
• It is one of the best hospitals in Ahmedabad, providing HPV vaccines against cervical cancer.

V. MIOT International Hospital, Chennai

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• MIOT is ranked as India’s no. 1 orthopedics hospital.  
• They are reputed for their expertise in joint replacement surgeries, interventional cardiology, orthopedics, and trauma management. 
• It is one of Chennai's top cancer hospitals, providing the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer.

Now, let's see if the Government has any schemes to provide HPV vaccines.

Does the Government Provide Free HPV Vaccines for Cervical Cancer in India?

In India, the government is striving hard to introduce an HPV vaccine that immunizes against cervical cancer in its national vaccination program. By making an effort, the Serum Institute of India has developed a cost-effective HPV vaccine called Cervavac, ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 per dose. This vaccine would be more accessible to a larger population, even those of lower income. 

The government’s decision to incorporate this vaccine into the national immunization program is an important step toward significantly reducing the prevalence of cervical cancer in the country. This move is likely to significantly enhance the health of women in India.

Who Should Avoid Getting the HPV Vaccine?

Certain people shouldn’t get the HPV vaccination. The vaccine may not suit them and cause harm to their health. Following are the people who should avoid getting the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer:

• Pregnant women.
• Individuals allergic to yeast should avoid Gardasil and Gardasil 9.
• Individuals with a life-threatening allergic reaction to any ingredient of an HPV vaccine.

Let's take a look at how beneficial the HPV vaccine is!

What are the Benefits of the HPV vaccine? 

let's read out the benefits 

Cancer Prevention:

• Protects against cancers caused by HPV, especially cervical cancer, which is largely due to HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for 76.7% of cases in India.

Strengthens Immunity:

• The vaccine boosts the body's immune response by creating antibodies that attach to the virus and prevent infection.

Reduces Cervical Cancer Risk:

• Specifically helps in preventing cervical cancer, significantly lowering the risk for women.

Efficient Immune Activation:

• Triggers both primary and enhanced secondary immune responses, providing robust protection against HPV upon subsequent exposures.

Adherence to Schedule:

• To ensure the vaccine's effectiveness, it's essential to follow the recommended vaccination schedule, which varies by age.

What Are the Side Effects of HPV Vaccines?

Here are the cervical cancer vaccine side effects that one may feel after receiving a shot: 

Conclusion: 

The cervical cancer vaccine is a vital healthcare advancement in India. It represents a significant step in cancer prevention and the country's commitment to improving women's health. As noted in the article, the variation in vaccine pricing suggests an effort to balance affordability and accessibility across different economic segments in India. This strategic pricing is crucial for widespread vaccine adoption, potentially leading to a substantial decrease in cervical cancer cases in the long term.

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FAQs

Who should get the cervical cancer vaccine?

• Answer: It's effective for girls and boys around ages 11-12, but it’s also effective for older teens and young adults who haven’t been vaccinated yet.

Is the vaccine available for free in India?

• Answer: The vaccine is usually not free but might be subsidized or available for free through some state programs and school-based initiatives.

How effective is the cervical cancer vaccine?

• Answer: It’s highly effective, preventing over 90% of HPV-related cancers when given before exposure to the virus.

What types of cervical cancer vaccines are available in India?

• Answer: Vaccines like Cervavac, Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix are available. They protect against different strains of HPV.

Where can I get the cervical cancer vaccine in India?

• Answer: You can get it at hospitals, clinics, and specialized vaccination centers. Check with local doctors or health departments for locations.