Over a month after the launch of its HPV vaccination initiative for adolescent girls, Maharashtra is experiencing a sluggish response, primarily attributed to misinformation circulating on social media platforms, as reported by frontline health workers.
In Mumbai, just 568 out of 106,045 targeted girls have received the vaccine, indicating a notable hesitance among the population despite the vaccine’s availability.
“There is a significant amount of misinformation online. People are uncertain about the HPV vaccine. They don’t outright refuse it, but they don’t commit either; they often say they need time to think, and then they don’t return,” explained ASHA worker Mrunali Manohar Jangam, who has been actively engaging with families in Worli.
Initiated on February 28, the state’s vaccination program aims to protect girls aged 14 to 15 from cervical cancer. Vaccinations are being administered at primary health centers and are monitored through the U-WIN platform. As of April 10, only 27,956 girls across Maharashtra have been vaccinated, falling short of the ambitious target of 984,414.
Officials have stated that the slow uptake is not due to limited supply but rather an increase in reluctance fueled by misleading information online. Widespread claims regarding infertility, safety issues, and even conspiracy theories about population control have been disseminated through platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram.
In Worli, Jangam noted that even educated families are hesitant. “They often say they will consult their fathers but then fail to follow up. Parents are concerned about potential health risks for their daughters, particularly regarding fertility. This is occurring even among educated, middle-class families who still place trust in social media narratives. Efforts to engage parents in meetings involving doctors and educators have not resulted in significant changes,” she added.
A similar trend is observed in rural regions. In Wardha district, only 496 out of 10,334 identified girls have received the vaccine to date.
“The influence of social media is profound. People are watching videos and accepting them as truth. One video even questions why the Chief Minister’s daughter hasn’t received the vaccine first,” stated ASHA worker Archana Ramdas Ghugare.
She further explained that misinformation has triggered fears about fertility and prompted conspiracy theories. “There are claims that the government aims to reduce the population by vaccinating young girls,” Ghugare reported.
This mistrust has resulted in unusual requests from the community. “Some families are demanding a signed document from the government that assures full responsibility for any potential health issues that may arise for their daughters in the future. When we bring these concerns to the attention of authorities, we are informed that such documentation cannot be provided, yet we are still pressured to persuade parents. We are unsure of how to proceed,” she remarked.
Health officials have acknowledged the concerns but emphasized their lack of scientific basis. “There is no medical justification for worry; the main challenge lies in changing mindsets. It is positive that people are asking questions about the vaccine, as this is how it should be. They inquire about the necessity of the vaccine, its effects on fertility, and the consequences of opting out. They want to verify all the information,” stated a senior health official from the state.
The state has reported no serious adverse events related to vaccination thus far. Experts assert that the HPV vaccine has undergone extensive research and is both safe and effective, with no evidence linking it to infertility.
To address vaccine hesitancy, the state has intensified its door-to-door counseling efforts and outreach in schools, in addition to launching social media campaigns. Nevertheless, officials noted that misinformation continues to proliferate more rapidly than accurate information can be disseminated.
