India has a huge cervical cancer problem and fourth most prevalent type of cancer among Indian women is cervical. The good news is that an effective vaccination is available to prevent cervical cancer. The bad news is that many women do not get the vaccination due to little information about the vaccination.
This vaccination is effective and proven to reduce cervical cancer incidence. The most common concern for the vaccination is its cost—the cervical cancer vaccine is no different. With vaccination, the types, prices, and most importantly, the benefits, become apparent.
This blog breaks down the cervical cancer vaccines by type, cost, pricing structure, and dosage, to see if the cervical cancer vaccine is worth the cost.
What is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine?
The cervical cancer vaccine protects against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of most cervical cancer cases. The vaccine is beneficial, considering how HPV is largely spread through skin contact, notably sexual contact.
This vaccine will educate the immune system in approaching future HPV infections that may cause illicit cervical cell modifications. When given at the right age, the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Types of Cervical Cancer Vaccines Available in India
In India, there are HPV vaccines as follows:
1. Gardasil 4
This vaccine protects against four types of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18)
2. Gardasil 9
This vaccine protects against more strains and also includes high-risk cancers.
3. Cervavac
This is an Indian vaccine. It's the cheapest and protects against the most important strains of HPV.
The price varies depending on the number of HPV strains each vaccine protects against. That's why the cervical vaccine price varies.
Cervical Cancer Vaccine Cost in India
The cervical cancer vaccine cost in India varies depending on the type of vaccine, location, and healthcare provider. On average:
- Cervavac: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per dose
- Gardasil 4: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per dose
- Gardasil 9: ₹8,000 – ₹11,000 per dose
The cost of the vaccine in India mainly depends on the brand chosen.
People need to understand that the cervical cancer vaccine cost includes multiple doses which increase the overall vaccination expenses.
City-Wise & State-Wise Cervical Cancer Vaccine Cost in India
Dose Schedule and Total Cost
The total cost depends on the number of doses required:
- Ages 9–14 years require two doses, which should be administered six months apart
- Ages 15 and above require three doses, which should be given over six months
Examples of costs include:
- For Cervavac, costs are approximately between ₹4,000 and ₹8,000
- For Gardasil 9, costs are approximately between ₹24,000 and ₹33,000
While the cost per dose may seem affordable, the total cost increases when the full vaccination schedule is completed.
Factors Affecting Cervical Vaccine Cost
A few aspects that determine the cost of cervical cancer vaccination in India include:
1. Vaccine Brand
Vaccines imported from other countries, such as Gardasil 9, cost more than Indian brands, such as Cervavac.
2. Health Institution
The cost at private health centers might be higher than that of public hospitals or smaller centers.
3. Geographic Location
Metropolitan cities usually have higher prices than smaller cities.
4. Doctor's Consultation Fee
The fee for doctor consultations might be added to the price.
Understanding these factors can help you better evaluate the overall cost of vaccination.
Who Should Take the Cervical Cancer Vaccine?
The vaccine is indicated for use in:
- 9-14 year old girls (ideal target)
- 15-26 year old women
- Up to 45 years (as per physician recommendation)
This vaccine can protect against HPV types even in cases where a woman has been sexually active, since it protects against HPV types she may not have been exposed to
Is the Cervical Cancer Vaccine Worth the Cost?
While the cost may seem high initially, it is important to consider the bigger picture.
There is so much suffering that comes along with a cervical cancer diagnosis, and it affects the patient physically, mentally, and emotionally. Treatments for cervical cancer are particularly expensive because of the different surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
All things considered, the cervical cancer vaccine is much more affordable than the cost of the treatment.
Prevention is always more affordable and effective than treatment.
Where to Get the Vaccine in India?
The vaccine for cervical cancer is freely available from the following sources:
- Gynecologists' clinics
- Oncology clinics
- Multispeciality hospitals
- Vaccination centers run by the government
However, it is always advised to visit a specialist such as Dr. Pooja Babbar before you begin vaccinations.
Conclusion
With vaccines now widely available in India, the risk of cervical cancer can be significantly reduced. Depending on the dose and type of vaccination, the cervical cancer vaccine costs differently in India; however, the value of the vaccine in terms of savings on maintaining one’s health is immeasurable.
Understanding the costs, types, and vaccines for cervical cancer is going to help you with your decision-making. Instead of viewing it as a new cost, you must look at it as a protective measure that is going to save you from unresolved matters in the future.
Visiting a qualified oncologist like Dr. Pooja Babbar is one of the best oncologist in Gurgoan would be the best option if you are considering getting your vaccination.
