Saharsa: Panic spread through a government school in Bihar’s Saharsa district on Saturday when several girls reportedly fainted after receiving doses of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine. The incident occurred at Laxmipati Anandi Devi Middle School in Aran village, where a vaccination drive was being conducted under the supervision of the district health department.
According to officials, around 60 to 70 students were administered the vaccine aimed at preventing cervical cancer. Within minutes, several girls began to feel dizzy and fainted, creating chaos in the school premises.
Teachers and health workers immediately rushed the affected students to Sadar Hospital, where they were treated under the supervision of District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar. Officials later confirmed that most of the girls had regained consciousness and were in stable condition.
“Fifteen girls were brought to the hospital after feeling unwell post-vaccination. There is no cause for panic — all are recovering well,” said District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar.
As news of the incident spread, anxious parents and local residents gathered outside the school, expressing anger and fear. Tension escalated briefly when villagers locked the school gates from outside, accusing authorities of negligence. The situation was brought under control after intervention from SDPO Alok Kumar and district officials.
“Some students panicked after receiving the vaccine, and a few felt unwell. All are safe and under observation. There’s no adverse reaction,” said Civil Surgeon Ratna Jha, assuring that the vaccination campaign was carried out following health protocols.
The HPV vaccine is administered to girls aged 9 to 14 years to prevent cervical and other reproductive organ cancers caused by the Human Papillomavirus. Health officials stated that mild symptoms such as dizziness or nausea are temporary and not uncommon during mass immunisation drives.
