Cervavac, India's first quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (qHPV) for cervical cancer prevention, developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII) is now available in the private market and will soon be accessible to the public sector. SII has the capacity to produce 2-3 million doses to meet demand, with each single dose priced at Rs 2,000.

Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is a common infection of the reproductive tract. Most people do not experience symptoms, and the virus can remain dormant for years before triggering cancerous changes in cervical cells. The risk of cervical cancer can be reduced through screening and HPV vaccination. Regular immune systems take 15 to 20 years to develop cervical cancer, while weakened immune systems can accelerate the process. 

Cervavac is recommended for girls and boys aged nine to 26. It is priced competitively and is considered beneficial for individuals between the ages of 12 and 26. Vaccination prior to virus exposure is advised for optimal effectiveness.

Cervical cancer is a significant health issue in India, ranking as the second most common cancer. The country carries almost 20 percent of the global burden of cervical cancer. Each year, India reports around 123,000 new cases and approximately 77,000 deaths due to cervical cancer. This highlights the urgent need for prevention, early detection, and effective interventions to reduce the impact of this disease on public health in India.