‘Felt like a tiny pinprick’: Delhi schools push to win parents’ trust on HPV vaccine

In Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, South Delhi's Fatehpur Beri, the first student to receive the HPV vaccine became a class monitor, an unusual reward for her bravery. Parents had doubts about the vaccine's safety, potential side effects, or impact on fertility. The class X student, who had learned about HPV only a few weeks earlier, joined 10 other girls for the vaccination.

She described the experience as a "tiny pinprick" with no adverse effects. However, safety concerns, fertility worries, and a lack of awareness about cervical cancer persisted among parents. Delhi has administered over 14,000 vaccine doses, aiming to vaccinate 1.49 lakh girls in 100 days. Teachers and principals emphasized the importance of building trust through simple language, personal stories, and persistent awareness efforts.

At Fatehpur Beri, the principal organized a meeting for skeptical parents and students, showcasing the vaccinated students to dispel doubts. Using simple, relatable language, such as "cancer at the mouth of the womb," helped parents understand the vaccine's purpose. The school also encouraged students to share their experiences and organize educational materials to foster confidence among parents.

However, other schools in the area faced slower adoption rates, with some parents hesitant due to personal anecdotes or the influence of extended family members.