HPV Vaccine Hesitancy Increases in India Due to Misinformation, AIIMS Doctor Reports

In India’s medical community, growing concern over a surge in misinformation about the HPV vaccine is having real-world consequences in clinics nationwide. Medical professionals report seeing preventable cervical cancers persist as viral videos questioning vaccine safety gain traction online, delaying critical prevention efforts.

Human Papillomavirus causes cervical cancer, which ranks as the second most common cancer among Indian women. With government data consistently showing over 100,000 new cases annually and tens of thousands of deaths, medical experts emphasize that prevention through vaccination is essential for public health.

Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor in the Radiation Oncology Department at AIIMS, Delhi, notes that while vaccine hesitancy isn’t new, it has intensified significantly in recent months. “Common myths about HPV vaccines are that it is not safe and should not be advocated. It is claimed that HPV vaccines cause infertility, neurological and autoimmune diseases and promote early sexual activity,” he explained.

This misinformation spreads primarily through social media channels, where unverified anecdotes from non-experts gain traction more quickly than scientific data. The consequences extend far beyond online debates.

“Hesitancy is having visible effects in terms of missed or delayed vaccinations, lower uptake in eligible adolescents and continued presentation of preventable, sometimes late-stage cervical cancer cases that could have been avoided,” Dr. Shankar stated.

Medical professionals emphasize that these fears are unfounded. “There is no scientific evidence linking HPV vaccines to infertility. Multiple large-scale studies and global safety monitoring have consistently shown the vaccine to be safe,” Dr. Shankar clarified. “Contrary to myth, it prevents cervical cancer and helps women prevent infertility.”

The HPV vaccine is recommended ideally for children between 9 and 14 years of age, though it can be administered to individuals up to 26 years old. Unlike screening programs that detect existing disease, vaccination prevents the infection entirely. Experts recommend a combined approach for maximum protection.

International success stories highlight what’s possible with widespread vaccination. Countries including Australia, Sweden, and Bhutan have made significant progress toward eliminating cervical cancer through comprehensive vaccination programs and effective public education. Dr. Shankar suggests India should implement similar “large scale, publicly funded vaccination drives and awareness campaigns.”

Several barriers complicate vaccination efforts in India, including low awareness, social stigma, uneven access in rural areas, and cost concerns. While HPV vaccines are available through both public health programs and private markets, pricing variations often affect uptake rates, particularly among lower-income populations.

The proliferation of misinformation compounds these challenges. “Health misinformation is highly damaging as it spreads faster than facts and directly impacts health decisions,” Dr. Shankar observed. He advocates for stronger communication strategies, robust fact-checking mechanisms, and appropriate regulation of misleading medical content online.

India’s cervical cancer burden remains disproportionately high compared to countries with successful vaccination programs. Public health experts stress that addressing this preventable disease requires coordinated action from healthcare providers, government agencies, and communities.

For parents and guardians, Dr. Shankar’s message is urgent: “All parents and guardians must come forward and get their children vaccinated for HPV as the responsibility lies with us to protect our children. I strongly urge you to consult qualified medical professionals and ensure timely HPV vaccination for eligible children.”

As the battle between scientific evidence and misinformation continues, medical professionals warn that the real danger isn’t the vaccine itself but rather the delays in prevention caused by unfounded fears—delays that allow preventable cancers to develop and claim lives unnecessarily.