Parents and guardians in India can access a free, single-dose HPV vaccination programme for eligible 14-year-old girls at government health facilities. The nationwide campaign, launched on 28 February 2026, uses Gardasil-4 to help protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) infections associated with cervical cancer and certain other diseases.
The vaccine is voluntary, free under the government programme and administered only after parental or guardian consent. Eligible girls can pre-register and schedule an appointment through the government's U-WIN platform or ask about walk-in vaccination at a designated government health facility.
Although the initial nationwide campaign was launched for 90 days, the government has stated that HPV vaccination will continue on routine immunisation session days after the campaign phase. Families who missed the initial campaign should therefore contact their local government health centre to confirm availability.
This guide explains who is eligible, where to get the vaccine, how U-WIN registration works, which medical conditions require caution and what parents should know before vaccination.
1 What Is the Government's Free HPV Vaccination Programme?
The Government of India launched its nationwide HPV vaccination campaign on 28 February 2026, targeting approximately 1.2 crore eligible girls aged 14 across all 36 States and Union Territories.
The programme is part of the government's efforts to prevent cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, early diagnosis and timely treatment.
The vaccine provided under the programme is Gardasil-4, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. It protects against four HPV types:
- HPV 16 and 18: High-risk types responsible for a substantial proportion of cervical cancer cases.
- HPV 6 and 11: Types associated with most genital warts.
The vaccine is given free of charge at participating government health facilities under the national programme.
Official sources:
- PIB — Nationwide HPV vaccination campaign launched on 28 February 2026
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare — Update on the National HPV Vaccination Programme
2 Who Is Eligible for the Free HPV Vaccine?
The primary target group under the national programme is girls aged 14 years.
The government also provided for girls who turn 15 within 90 days of the campaign launch to be eligible during the initial campaign period. If your daughter falls into this category or has missed the initial window, contact the local government health centre to confirm the applicable eligibility and availability arrangements.
Eligibility is determined under the government's programme guidelines, not simply by whether a girl has started menstruating or is sexually active.
Important points for parents
- The vaccine is voluntary.
- Parent or legal guardian consent is mandatory.
- Vaccination is free at designated government facilities under the programme.
- The programme's single-dose schedule applies to eligible beneficiaries under its guidelines.
- Girls who have already received an HPV vaccine should inform the health worker so their vaccination history can be recorded correctly.
Do not purchase a private vaccine or arrange an additional dose without discussing the girl's vaccination history and the appropriate schedule with a qualified medical professional.
3 Where Can Girls Get the Free Gardasil-4 Vaccine?
The vaccine is offered at designated government health facilities, including:
| Government facility | What to do |
|---|---|
| Ayushman Arogya Mandir–Primary Health Centre (PHC) | Ask whether HPV vaccination is available on the next session day. |
| Community Health Centre (CHC) | Contact the facility about eligibility, consent and vaccine availability. |
| Sub-District Hospital | Check the vaccination schedule before visiting. |
| District Hospital | Ask the immunisation or outpatient department for the designated vaccination service. |
| Government Medical College and Hospital | Confirm the relevant vaccination unit and session timings. |
Availability can vary by facility and session. Call or visit the nearest government health centre before travelling, especially if you live in a rural or remote area.
You can also ask an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) or local health worker for information about the next vaccination session.
Remember: The free national programme is delivered through designated government health facilities. Do not assume that every private clinic offers Gardasil-4 free of charge.
4 How to Register for HPV Vaccination on U-WIN
U-WIN is the government's digital platform for managing vaccination services and records. Eligible beneficiaries can use it to register and, where supported, schedule an appointment.
Visit the official portal:
The exact screens may change as the platform is updated, but the general process is as follows.
Step 1: Open the official U-WIN portal
Visit the website directly. Avoid links sent by unknown people or unofficial social media accounts.
Step 2: Sign in or complete the required registration
Follow the portal's instructions for the beneficiary or parent/guardian. Enter the details requested by the system.
Step 3: Add or select the eligible beneficiary
Provide the girl's information as requested. Check her name, date of birth and other details carefully so that her age and eligibility can be assessed correctly.
Step 4: Find a vaccination session
Use the available facility or session options to find a designated government vaccination site. If an appointment facility is available for your area, follow the instructions to select a suitable session.
Step 5: Confirm the appointment or registration
Save any acknowledgement or appointment details displayed by the portal. Check whether the facility requires any additional information or documents.
Step 6: Attend the session with a parent or guardian
Parental or legal guardian consent is mandatory. The consent is recorded digitally on U-WIN where the system is available. In areas without internet connectivity, the prescribed paper consent process may be used.
Can you walk in without registering online?
Yes. The government's campaign announcement permits walk-in vaccination at designated government health facilities. However, you should confirm the facility's current availability and session arrangements before visiting.
Official reference: PIB — HPV vaccination programme and U-WIN registration.
5 What Happens on the Day of Vaccination?
At the health facility, a trained medical officer or authorised health worker will follow the prescribed procedure.
The process generally includes:
- Checking the girl's eligibility and vaccination history.
- Reviewing relevant medical information.
- Obtaining and recording parental or guardian consent.
- Administering the vaccine according to the programme's instructions.
- Recording the vaccination in the designated system.
- Advising the family about observation, possible reactions and when to seek medical attention.
Under the national programme, Gardasil-4 is administered as a single 0.5 mL intramuscular dose in the left upper arm.
Vaccination sessions are conducted under medical supervision, with arrangements for managing adverse events following immunisation.
Parents should follow the instructions given by the medical team and remain at the facility for the recommended observation period.
6 Who Should Not Take the Vaccine Under the Programme?
The government has specified circumstances in which HPV vaccination should be deferred or avoided under the programme. A health professional should review the girl's medical history before vaccination.
A. Girls with moderate or severe illness
If the girl has a moderate or severe illness at the time of vaccination, the dose should be deferred until she has recovered, as directed by the medical officer.
A minor illness does not necessarily mean vaccination must be postponed. Tell the health worker about any current symptoms and follow the medical advice given.
B. Girls who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous vaccine
A history of a severe allergic reaction to a previous vaccination requires medical assessment before another dose is considered.
Tell the medical officer exactly what happened, which vaccine was involved and whether emergency treatment was needed.
C. Girls with a known allergy to yeast
Gardasil-4 is produced using a yeast-based manufacturing process. Girls with a known yeast allergy should not receive the vaccine under the programme's stated exclusion criteria without appropriate medical assessment.
Tell the medical officer about any diagnosed allergy or previous serious allergic reaction. Do not rely on guesswork about whether a reaction was caused by yeast.
D. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is listed among the programme's exclusions. If pregnancy is known or suspected, inform the medical officer before vaccination and follow their advice.
E. Girls outside the eligible age group
The free national programme is designed for its specified target group. Girls outside the eligibility criteria should not assume that they qualify for the programme's single-dose schedule.
A doctor can advise whether HPV vaccination is appropriate under other applicable recommendations or through another eligible route.
F. Girls who have already received an HPV vaccine
If a girl has already received one or more doses of an HPV vaccine, such as Gardasil, Gardasil-9, Cervarix or Cervavac, tell the health worker before vaccination.
The government's guidance states that the previous vaccination status should be updated on U-WIN. Do not assume that another dose is needed or repeat a dose without professional guidance.
Official reference: PIB — HPV vaccination programme: eligibility and safety guidance.
7 What Side Effects Should Parents Know About?
Like other vaccines, HPV vaccines can cause side effects. Common short-term reactions may include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, tiredness or a mild fever.
Some adolescents may feel dizzy or faint around the time of an injection. This is one reason vaccination is conducted under medical supervision and the recommended observation period should be followed.
Severe allergic reactions are rare but require urgent medical attention.
After vaccination, seek emergency help if the girl develops symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.
If a reaction worries you, contact the health facility that administered the vaccine or seek medical advice. Do not delay urgent treatment while trying to report the event online.
8 Does the HPV Vaccine Prevent Every Case of Cervical Cancer?
No vaccine protects against every possible cause of cervical cancer.
Gardasil-4 protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause a substantial proportion of cervical cancers, as well as HPV types 6 and 11. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of HPV-related disease, but it does not eliminate every risk.
Vaccination also does not replace cervical cancer screening when a person becomes eligible under the applicable medical guidance.
Parents should treat HPV vaccination as one important part of long-term preventive healthcare, alongside regular medical care and screening recommendations later in life.
9 What If You Missed the Initial 90-Day Campaign?
The initial nationwide campaign was designed to run for 90 days from 28 February 2026. The government has stated that, after the campaign phase, HPV vaccination will continue on routine immunisation session days.
If your daughter missed the initial campaign:
- Contact your nearest PHC, CHC or government hospital.
- Ask whether Gardasil-4 is available under the routine immunisation schedule.
- Confirm your daughter's eligibility under the applicable guidelines.
- Ask what registration and consent steps are required.
- Follow the medical officer's advice about the appropriate schedule.
Do not assume that a facility has stock simply because it participated in the original campaign. Confirm availability before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gardasil-4 free for 14-year-old girls?
Yes. Under India's national HPV vaccination programme, the single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine is provided free of charge to eligible girls at designated government health facilities.
Is only one dose required?
The national programme uses a single-dose schedule for its eligible target group. Girls with previous HPV vaccination or other special circumstances should have their records reviewed by the health worker rather than automatically receiving another dose.
Is U-WIN registration compulsory?
U-WIN supports beneficiary registration, appointment scheduling and vaccination records. The government has also permitted walk-in vaccination at designated government facilities. Confirm the procedure at your local centre.
Does a parent need to accompany the girl?
Parental or legal guardian consent is mandatory. The facility will explain how consent is recorded and what information is required.
Can a girl receive the vaccine if she has a fever?
It depends on the severity of the illness and the medical assessment. Moderate or severe illness is a reason to defer vaccination until recovery under the programme's guidance. Tell the medical officer about the symptoms before vaccination.
Can girls who have already received Gardasil-9 or Cervavac get the government dose?
Do not assume that an additional dose is required. Inform the health worker about every previous HPV vaccine and dose so the record can be updated and the appropriate advice provided.
Is the vaccine available at private hospitals free of charge?
The national programme provides the vaccine free at designated government facilities. A private hospital or clinic may follow a separate service and pricing arrangement.
Final Checklist for Parents and Guardians
- Confirm that the girl meets the programme's age and eligibility criteria.
- Check availability at a designated government health facility.
- Register through the official U-WIN portal or ask about walk-in vaccination.
- Provide the required parental or legal guardian consent.
- Inform the medical officer about allergies, current illness, pregnancy where relevant, and previous HPV vaccination.
- Follow the health worker's instructions and recommended observation period.
- Keep the vaccination record and confirm it is recorded correctly.
- Ask the local health centre about routine immunisation sessions if the initial campaign was missed.
Conclusion
India's national HPV vaccination programme provides eligible 14-year-old girls with a free, single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine at designated government health facilities. U-WIN offers a digital route for registration and appointment scheduling, while walk-in vaccination is also permitted at participating centres.
Before visiting, confirm local availability, carry out the required registration or consent steps, and tell the medical officer about any allergies, current illness or previous HPV vaccination.
The vaccine is an important preventive measure against HPV-related disease, including cervical cancer, but it does not replace medical advice or future cervical cancer screening.
Official resources:
- U-WIN portal
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare — HPV vaccination programme update
- PIB — National HPV vaccination campaign launch
- PIB — HPV vaccination eligibility and safety guidance
This article is for public information and does not replace advice from a qualified medical professional. Eligibility, availability and medical suitability should be confirmed with the designated government health facility.