LUCKNOW | In a significant step toward public health and cancer prevention, the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Lucknow successfully organized a free HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination drive today. The event marked the administration of the third and final dose of the vaccine, completing the immunization cycle for female students aged 15–26.
The initiative was held under the patronage of Her Excellency Anandiben Patel, Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Chancellor of the University, and the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Saini.
Completing the Immunization Cycle
Today’s drive concluded a meticulously planned 0–2–6 month vaccination schedule. The journey for these participants began last year:
- First Dose: Administered on August 30, 2025.
- Second Dose: Administered on October 30, 2025.
- Final Dose: Successfully administered today, March 10, 2026.
The drive utilized Cervavac, India’s first indigenously developed quadrivalent HPV vaccine. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, timely vaccination is the most effective shield against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
Voices from the Campus
The event wasn’t just about clinical administration but also about advocacy.
Godhooli Sharma, a correspondent from the Hindustan Times who received the vaccine herself, shared her experience to dispel myths. “I experienced no side effects after the first two doses,” she noted, pledging to continue using her platform to raise awareness about the vaccine’s safety and necessity.
Kanika Sachan, a student from the Institute of Management Sciences, lauded the university’s proactive approach. “This free drive is a highly commendable initiative. I have taken a pledge to educate at least 10 other women about the importance of this vaccine,” she said.
A Collaborative Effort
- The funding for this final phase was a testament to the university’s collective spirit, backed by:
- Faculty members of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- The Dean of Student Welfare (DSW) team.
- Hostel administration and the Lucknow University Teachers’ Association (LUTA).
- The medical proceedings were supervised by Dr. Rajesh Kumar Saroj and Dr. Ankita Singh from the University Dispensary. Notable attendees included Prof. V.K. Sharma (DSW) and Prof. S.P. Singh (Dean, FoET).
- Leadership Commendation
- Closing the event, Prof. Pushpendra Kumar Tripathi, Director of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, expressed his profound gratitude to Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Saini and the DSW team for their unwavering financial and administrative support.
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“This initiative reflects our university’s deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility and the health of our future leaders,” Prof. Tripathi stated.
