Immunization against human papillomavirus (HPV) has led to a significant reduction in high-risk cancers in many countries. In Tajikistan, however, the state-provided HPV vaccine is currently only available for girls aged 10 to 14. Other groups are excluded from the government’s immunization program, with no publicly funded vaccines imported for them.
Fayzali Saidzoda, head of the Republican Immunoprophylaxis Center under the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MoHSPP), confirmed to Asia-Plus that the country’s vaccination campaign is strictly limited to this age group. “At present, the vaccine is provided only to girls aged 10–14. Mass immunization will cover around 520,000 girls. No additional vaccine doses have been imported for other groups,” Saidzoda said.
He also clarified that even those willing to pay for the HPV vaccine cannot get it through state-run clinics.
“The vaccine is free for girls. Paid vaccination for other citizens is not available at government facilities, and no extra supplies have been ordered. However, individuals who wish to be vaccinated can turn to private clinics,” he added.
Where adults can get the HPV vaccine in Tajikistan
While Tajikistan’s state immunization program offers the HPV vaccine only to girls aged 10 to 14, adults still have options—at a cost—through private medical centers in Dushanbe.
Farabi Medical Center offers the HPV vaccine for 2,600 somonis per dose. Appointments are available including Saturdays from 14:00 to 16:00. The clinic uses a Dutch-manufactured vaccine.
Before receiving the vaccine, adult patients must undergo testing for HPV. If the test detects virus types 6, 11, 16, or 18, the vaccine is not administered. Doctors at the clinic provide a full explanation of test results.
Address: 3/2 Ismoili Somoni Avenue; phone: +992 90-977-8787.
Another option is the Prospekt Clinic, which offers the quadrivalent “Gardasil” vaccine at 4,000 somonis, plus a 14% tax, bringing the total to 4,500 somonis.
Address: 55 Shotemur Street; phone: +992 112-122-774
Note: bring a valid passport to register.
Vaccination is Strongly advised, though not mandatory
According to Fayzali Saidzoda from the MoHSPP, HPV vaccination in Tajikistan is not compulsory—but strongly encouraged. He noted that while over 4,000 teachers and 10,000 healthcare workers have participated in public outreach, many parents still lack awareness about the vaccine’s importance.
Despite extensive campaigns on radio, TV, and in schools, Saidzoda emphasized that further education efforts are essential.
He also underscored that no vaccine enters the country without rigorous international testing, adding that studies from Europe, New Zealand, and the U.S. show HPV vaccination leads to a 90% drop in high-risk cancers and up to 88% reduction in precancerous conditions and genital warts.
Over 148 countries have adopted the HPV vaccine, with more than 500 million doses administered globally.
What is Gardasil and why is it important?
Tajikistan uses Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine developed by Merck & Co. It has been in global use for nearly two decades and targets HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18—the most common strains linked to cervical cancer and genital warts.
Cervical cancer ranks second among cancers affecting women worldwide. Gardasil contains virus-like particles (antigens) that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, helping the body recognize and fight off actual infection.
Possible side effects of Gardasil are usually mild and include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, headaches, or a low-grade fever—all of which typically resolve within a day or two.
