Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh has administered the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to 2.71 lakh girls aged 14 years, covering 78.57 per cent of the target population of 3.45 lakh beneficiaries, health minister Satya Kumar Yadav said on Monday.
In a statement, the minister said the vaccination programme was aimed at protecting adolescent girls against cervical cancer. He noted that the Centre had extended the HPV vaccination drive by three months, from June to August, and had supplied 3.81 lakh vaccine doses to the state in two phases.
Satya Kumar directed health authorities to ensure that all eligible girls are vaccinated by August. He said no adverse health issues had been reported among beneficiaries who received the vaccine.
According to the minister, Kurnool district recorded the highest number of vaccinations with 18,503 doses administered, followed by YSR Kadapa (15,167), Kakinada (13,294), Nandyal (12,988) and Palnadu (12,917).
He asked districts with lower coverage to intensify efforts to achieve their targets. With educational institutions set to reopen after the summer vacation, the minister directed health personnel to reach out to eligible students and ensure completion of the vaccination programme within the stipulated period.
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