Jammu, March 18 -- While 9 to 14 is the right age to take the HPV vaccine, women who missed the jabs at the recommended age can still have some protection against cervical cancer, said experts on Monday.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common infection and high-risk strains are known to cause cervical cancer. India accounts for 1 in every 5 or 21 per cent of cervical cancer cases, according to a recent study published in the journal The Lancet Global Health. The cancer also causes almost one in every four or 23 per cent deaths in the country.

The HPV vaccine is most effective when given to adolescents between 9 to 14 years of age. Yet it is still recommended for up to 45 years of age, the experts told IANS.

"It is crucial for ever...