Blog: What are the latest updates on the HPV vaccine?
Published: August 5, 2024
For nearly 20 years, millions of people around the world have protected themselves from HPV-related cancers with the HPV vaccine, according to the CDC. This safe and effective vaccine prevents infections from strains of human papillomavirus that can cause six types of cancer as well as genital, anal, and oral warts.
Recent research has led to updates on HPV vaccination that will bring this proven protection to even more people.
EARLIER RECOMMENDED AGE FOR HPV VACCINATION
Although approved for children 9 and up, experts have routinely offered HPV vaccination to children starting at 11 or 12 years of age. Now, based on ongoing research, the CDC says that 9-year-old boys and girls can and should safely receive the HPV vaccine. The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Cancer Society agree.
Starting sooner is better than starting later. At an earlier age, boys and girls are less likely to come in contact with HPV, giving the vaccine the opportunity to provide protection before they encounter the virus. Also, from ages 9 to 14, children have a stronger immune response to HPV vaccination. That means they only need two shots for full protection. After a child turns 15, they need three shots for full protection.
SINGLE DOSE OF HPV VACCINE OFFERS PROTECTION
In late 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a paper stating that a single shot of the HPV vaccine can provide similar protection to two shots. Because of these findings, WHO began recommending one or two doses of the HPV vaccine for girls ages 9-14 years and girls and women ages 15-20 years worldwide. For women older than 21 years, WHO recommends two shots with a 6-month interval between.
As a note, WHO prioritizes girls and women in the organization’s HPV vaccination recommendations as primary points of focus, particularly in areas of the world with fewer resources. Boys and older women are secondary points of focus for WHO when it comes to HPV vaccination — though everyone needs the HPV vaccine since the cancers associated with the virus can affect both males and females.
In the United States, it is recommended that both boys and girls receive the full HPV vaccine series (two or three doses) on time — especially with the over 20,000 annual cases of oropharyngeal cancers that most often affect men. Check back with us for any future updates to the recommendations.
ONE THING TO KNOW: EVERYONE NEEDS HPV VACCINATION
These latest updates are helping more people access the cancer protection offered by the HPV vaccine. The similar protection of a single dose is better than no doses for those living in remote parts of the world with limited access to medical care. In the U.S., the two- and three-dose HPV vaccination series is best. Starting HPV vaccination at age 9 provides protection against HPV two years earlier than starting at 11. Remember: Sooner is better.
Overall, everyone needs the HPV vaccine. With all recommended childhood and adolescent vaccines, it protects health both now and in the future. Talk to your family’s primary care physician or your child’s school nurse to see what vaccines they might be missing.
Do you still have questions about the HPV vaccine? The All for Them team can help! Check out our list of frequently asked questions or reach out by calling 866-255-1811 or emailing [email protected]. Find a free vaccination clinic near you on our website.
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