AWARENESS, PERCEPTIONS,AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE CERVICAL CANCER VACCINE (GARDASIL 9):A SURVEY-BASED STUDY

Cervical cancer is a major health issue for women in India,with HPV infection being the leading cause.This study assesses the awareness, perception,and acceptance of the GARDASIL 9 HPV vaccine among females above 17 years in Ludhiana.A survey revealer that 87% of participants were aware of the vaccine,but only 58.7% believed in its effectiveness.Healthcare providers were the most trusted source of information, and over 90% supported government led campaigns.Despite high awareness,many respondents were uncertain about the vaccines benefits, highlighting the need for more targeted education and community engagement.The finding underscore the importance of improving health communication and empowering healthcare professionals to increase vaccine uptake and reduce cervical cancer risk.