HPV Vaccine Campaign Launched in Pakistan: Free Immunisation, Price, and Schedule Details

Pakistan has officially rolled out its first nationwide HPV vaccine campaign, also known as the cervical cancer vaccine initiative, which began on 15 September and will continue until 27 September 2025. The drive is being led by the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi.

According to officials, the free HPV vaccine in Pakistan is being administered to girls aged 9–14 years across schools, madrassas, health centres, and outreach facilities. The first phase covers Punjab, Sindh, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, with a target of immunising more than 13 million girls nationwide.

Outside the free campaign, the vaccine is available in private hospitals, laboratories, and pharmacies. Prices currently range between Rs 4,700–5,000 per dose for Cervarix (0.5 ml) and Rs 8,100–9,000 per dose for Gardasil (0.5 ml prefilled syringe). In Karachi, Essa Laboratory lists Cervarix at Rs 5,000 per dose, while in Lahore, pharmacies offer Cervarix for around Rs 4,700.

The government campaign follows WHO’s single-dose schedule for girls aged 9–14 years. However, private doctors may recommend one-dose or two-dose schedules depending on age and health conditions for those outside the target group.

Health experts confirm that the HPV vaccine is safe, with only mild side effects reported, such as pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, headache, fatigue, or nausea. Rarely, fainting or allergic reactions may occur.

Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women in Pakistan. By launching this mass vaccination drive and expanding screening efforts, health authorities aim to reduce future cases and strengthen women’s health protection nationwide.