Misinformation slows HPV vaccine uptake despite statewide push

What Happened

Maharashtra's HPV vaccination program for adolescent girls faces slow uptake due to misinformation on social media. As of April 10, only 27,956 girls were vaccinated against a target of 984,414. ASHA workers report false claims about infertility and population control circulating on WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram. Health officials confirm zero serious adverse events and state the vaccine is safe. The state is increasing door-to-door counseling and school outreach to counter hesitancy.

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