Understanding cervical cancer: A growing health risk for women
Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact. What makes cervical cancer particularly concerning is that it develops slowly and often shows no symptoms in the early stages, making regular screening and preventive action crucial.
According to the World Health Organization, India contributes to nearly one-fifth of the global cervical cancer burden. Every year, thousands of Indian women, many of them in their most productive working years, are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Most of these cases could have been prevented through timely HPV vaccination and early screening.
In a fast-paced corporate environment, health issues like cervical cancer can silently impact a significant section of the female workforce.
But here’s the good news: cervical cancer is one of the cancers that is almost entirely preventable.
What is the cervical cancer vaccine?
The primary way to prevent cervical cancer is by protecting against the virus that causes it, Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The cervical cancer vaccine, also known as the HPV vaccine, is a scientifically proven and globally recommended method to prevent most cases of cervical cancer before they start.
How does the HPV vaccine work?
The HPV vaccine trains the body’s immune system to recognize and fight the virus if exposed in the future. It targets the high-risk strains of HPV (especially types 16 and 18), which are responsible for nearly 70% of all cervical cancer cases. Some vaccines, like Gardasil-9, offer broader protection against additional cancer-causing HPV types.
Who should get the cervical cancer vaccine?
The ideal age for the HPV vaccine is between 9 and 14 years.
Is the cervical cancer vaccine free in India?
As of 2025, the cervical cancer vaccine is not universally free for all in India, but the government is taking strong steps to make it more accessible.
The Government of India has included Cervavac in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) for girls aged 9–14 years, aiming to offer it free of cost in government schools and health centers.
Cervical cancer vaccine price in India: Is it affordable for employers and employees?
One of the most common concerns for HRs teams considering vaccination programs is cost. The good news is that the cervical cancer vaccine price has become significantly more affordable in recent years, especially with the launch of Indian-made alternatives.
HPV vaccine cost in India (2025 update):
The number of doses depends on age:
- Girls aged 9–14 years:
One or two-dose schedule, depending on local guidelines and medical advice. - Girls and women aged 15–20 years:
One or two-dose schedule, again based on risk factors and consultation with a healthcare provider. - Women older than 21 years:
Two doses given six months apart are recommended for full protection.
With Cervavac being developed in India, the overall HPV vaccine cost has dropped, making it more accessible to the general population and more practical for employers to include under wellness initiatives or group health plans.
By including the cervical cancer vaccine in your employee wellness program, you not only support better health but also reduce potential long-term treatment costs related to cancer.
Why HRs should offer the cervical cancer vaccine
1. Promotes preventive healthcare
Vaccinating employees before symptoms or risk exposure builds a culture of proactive health management.
2. Supports women’s health
Offering the cervical cancer vaccine is a strong step toward improving gender-sensitive health benefits.
3. Boosts engagement and retention
Employees are more likely to stay with an organization that prioritizes comprehensive and preventive wellness solutions.
4. Aligns with CSR and ESG goals
Encouraging vaccinations supports public health and aligns with sustainable development and social responsibility goals.
5. It reduces long-term medical costs
Preventing cancer is far more cost-effective than treating it. By investing in preventive care like the HPV vaccine, companies can potentially reduce the future burden on their group health insurance and lower absenteeism caused by long-term illness.
Why should HRs offer the HPV vaccine in employee wellness?
As workplaces evolve, so do the expectations around employee wellbeing. Today’s workforce, especially women professionals, look beyond just salary, they value employers who prioritize long-term health and preventive care. Including the HPV vaccine in your employee wellness program is a step in the right direction.
How to implement the cervical cancer vaccine in your employee wellness program
Making the cervical cancer vaccine a part of your wellness program doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right planning and partnerships, HR teams can offer a seamless and impactful vaccination initiative to employees.
Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Partner with a health benefits provider
Work with an experienced wellness or insurance partner like Pazcare to:
- Identify suitable vaccination providers (hospitals, diagnostic labs, mobile units)
- Negotiate group rates for HPV vaccine cost
- Plan logistics like on-site or off-site vaccination camps
Step 2: Decide the delivery model
You can offer the HPV vaccine to employees through different models:
- On-site vaccination drives
Organize camps within office premises for better participation. - Voucher-based or reimbursement model
Offer reimbursements for employees who get vaccinated at hospitals or clinics. - Extended coverage for families
Allow employees to cover their spouses or children, especially daughters aged 9–14, within the benefit. - Discount model
Tie up with select hospitals or clinics to offer the vaccine at a discounted rate for your employees. Pazcare can help facilitate these partnerships across cities for a seamless experience.
Step 3: Launch an internal awareness campaign
Not everyone understands what the HPV vaccine is or why it’s important. Use your internal channels to:
- Run webinars with medical experts
- Share FAQs and myth-busting articles
- Awareness sessions to educate employees about the benefits, age limits, and safety of the vaccine
This improves participation and builds trust in the program.
Step 4: Track participation and feedback
Finally, evaluate how many employees benefited, and gather feedback to optimize future wellness campaigns. Focus on inclusivity and privacy, especially when dealing with sensitive health topics.
Common concerns and how to address them
While the benefits of offering the cervical cancer vaccine are clear, HR teams may encounter questions or hesitation from employees. Addressing these concerns with empathy and accurate information is key to driving participation
- “What about side effects?”
HPV vaccines are globally approved and tested for safety. Common side effects are mild like soreness or mild fever. - “Is the HPV vaccine safe?”
Yes. The HPV vaccine has been extensively studied and used worldwide. It is considered safe, effective, and well-tolerated, with side effects usually limited to mild pain at the injection site or low-grade fever. In fact, countries that have implemented widespread vaccination programs have seen a sharp decline in cervical cancer cases. - “Is it only for women?”
No. The HPV vaccine can also protect men from certain cancers and genital warts. Inclusive vaccination is key.
Conclusion
Adding the cervical cancer vaccine to your employee wellness program is a proactive move that shows you care not just about your employees’ present, but their future too. It's cost-effective, widely recommended, and aligns with today’s evolving workplace health priorities.
How Pazcare can help you offer the HPV vaccine
At Pazcare, we believe preventive healthcare is the future of workplace wellness. That’s why we support companies in integrating impactful solutions like the cervical cancer vaccine into their employee health and wellness programs with ease.
Here’s how we can help:
- Arrange on-site vaccination camps
- Facilitate clinic-based vaccinations for remote or hybrid employees
- Ensure smooth scheduling, delivery, and employee consent handling
- Awareness and Engagement Support
- Employee education sessions with medical professionals
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