St.Cecilia’s Public School
Awareness Programme on HPV Vaccination
“Prevention is better than cure, and knowledge is the first step toward protection.”
To foster health consciousness and empower students with preventive healthcare awareness, St. Cecilia’s Public School organized an Awareness Session on HPV Vaccination on 27th April 2026 for girls aged 14–15 years. The session was conducted under the able guidance of the School Counsellor and Nodal Officer, Ms. Mukta Kalra.
This significant initiative was undertaken to equip young adolescents with accurate information on health, hygiene and disease prevention, thereby enabling them to make informed decisions for their well-being.
The session commenced with an introduction to the physical and emotional transitions of adolescence, underscoring the importance of self-care. It was emphasized that holistic well-being must include making informed choices that safeguard the body against preventable diseases.
A conducive and open environment was fostered, encouraging students to listen attentively, engage in meaningful dialogue and express their queries without hesitation. The primary objective was to educate and empower young girls to prioritize their health and to adopt required preventive measures.
Ms. Mukta Kalra initiated the discussion by establishing a foundational understanding of vaccination and its critical role in preventing serious illnesses when administered timely. The students were then introduced to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its established link to cervical cancer.
To ensure active engagement, the session incorporated interactive elements, including general awareness questions on cancer, discussions on symptoms of cervical cancer, its causes and risk factors,methods of diagnosis and available treatment options. Relevant statistical data on cervical cancer prevalence was shared to highlight its global and national significance.
The importance of World Cervical Cancer Day, observed annually on 17th November, was also explained, drawing attention to international efforts aimed at awareness, prevention and the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health concern.
The session elaborated on the vital role of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer. Common myths and misconceptions surrounding the vaccine were addressed and evidence-based research was presented to guide about its safety and long-term benefits. Information on potential side effects and safety protocols was also provided to ensure transparency and build confidence.
In the concluding segment, Ms. Mukta Kalra apprised students of the procedural aspects of vaccination. It was informed that a consent form would be issued to students, to be duly filled and submitted to the school prior to the administration of the vaccine.
The awareness session proved to be highly enlightening and interactive. The students of St. Cecilia’s Public School participated with keen interest, acquired valuable knowledge and were encouraged to consider timely HPV vaccination as a proactive measure toward safeguarding their future health.