Delhi High Court Rules on HPV Vaccination Campaign
NEW DELHI: On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court decided not to pause the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination campaign. However, the court has requested the Centre, along with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and the Indian Council of Medical Research, to respond within four weeks regarding the reasons for introducing the vaccine.
The court was addressing a public interest litigation (PIL) that questioned the decision to include HPV vaccines in the Universal Immunisation Programme. The petition raised concerns about long-term safety, the need for informed consent, and the monitoring of any adverse reactions.
The judges emphasized that “incomplete vaccines should not be given,” stressing the importance of following necessary protocols. The PIL also called for evaluations to be conducted and published at the district and state levels before the initiative is expanded further.
The next hearing is set for October 29.
