CDC Issues Recommendations for 2-Dose HPV Vaccine Schedule

The CDC has published new recommendations on the use of 2 doses—rather than 3 doses—of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The recommendation was first announced in October, 2016.

The new report updates 2014 and 2015 recommendations on the use of HPV vaccines from The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and details the use of 2-dose scheduling for children who begin the vaccination series at ages 9 through 14 years. Three-dose scheduling remains recommended for individuals who begin the vaccination series at ages 15 through 26 years and for immunocompromised individuals.
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The new recommendations are based upon a systematic review of available data on “any important or critical health outcomes related to HPV vaccination after 2 doses” administered to individuals aged 9 through 14 years.

Their recommendations included:

Two doses of the nine-valent vaccine for children beginning the vaccine series between ages 9 and 14, with the second dose being administered 6-12 months after the first dose.

Routine HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 or 12 years.

For those initiating vaccination after age 15, 3 doses of HPV vaccine are recommended, with the second dose being administered 1-2 months after the first, and the third dose being administered 6 months after the first dose.

“HPV vaccines are highly effective and safe, and a powerful prevention tool for reducing HPV infections and HPV-associated cancers,” they concluded.

“Based on the available immunogenicity evidence, a 2-dose schedule will have efficacy equivalent to a 3-dose schedule if the HPV vaccination series is initiated before the 15th birthday (GRADE evidence type 3). ACIP recommends a 2-dose schedule for HPV vaccination of girls and boys who initiate the vaccination series at ages 9 through 14 years (Category A recommendation).

—Michael Potts

Reference:

CDC. Use of a 2-Dose schedule for human papillomavirus vaccination — updated recommendations of The Advisory Committee On Immunization Practices. Weekly. 2016;65(49);1405–1408.