New Changes in HPV Vaccination Schedule: Now a Single Dose for Those Up to 18 Years
The General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Health Service, attached to the Ministry of Health, has introduced changes to the HPV vaccine administration, expanding the vaccine offer with a single-dose schedule for men and women up to 18 years old. This move aligns with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and aims to broaden population coverage and simplify vaccine schedules.
In line with the latest evidence and the objective of enhancing population protection, the Ministry of Health has revised its HPV vaccination program. This has led to the introduction of a single-dose schedule for girls and boys aged 12, as well as the extension of this single-dose vaccine recommendation to other population groups under 26, such as men who have sex with men and individuals in prostitution. However, for those aged between 26 and 45, the recommendation remains two doses.
The single-dose schedule is shown to be effective, and its adoption is based on growing scientific evidence. Additionally, the new guidelines recommend vaccinating children and adolescents at 12 years old with a single dose, and to capture unvaccinated men and women up to 18 years of age.
For individuals aged 12 to 18, the vaccine against meningococcal tetravalent (MenACWY) is also recommended for those who haven’t already received it during adolescence. In the case of men, this includes those born after December 15, 2005, until the cohort born in 2011 reaches 18 years old, with a single-dose schedule.
Vaccination for People at Risk
Furthermore, vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated individuals with specific risk factors up to 45 years old (inclusive), with a single-dose schedule up to 25 years old, and a two-dose schedule (spaced at least six months apart) from 26 years old, for men who have sex with men and individuals in prostitution.
For those aged up to 45 who are not previously vaccinated against HPV and are immune-compromised, the indications are subject to the criteria of their referring hospital doctor.
However, three-dose schedules are recommended, regardless of the starting age, for individuals belonging to high-risk groups, such as those with the WHIM syndrome, HIV infection, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant, inflammatory bowel disease, those on heavy immunosuppressive therapy, or those with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
In addition, vaccination is also recommended in a three-dose schedule for women of any age who have undergone any escisional treatment for high-grade intraepithelial lesions (CIN2+) or above, and men who have sex with men with anal dysplasia due to HPV. Preferably, vaccination should occur before the treatment for the lesion, or as soon as possible afterward if this isn’t possible.
Vaccination as a Preventive Measure
HPV infection is a viral infection that can cause skin or mucous membrane lesions, such as warts. There are over 100 varieties of HPV, with most infections not leading to cancer. However, some high-risk types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and oropharynx. Vaccination protects against the HPV strains most likely to cause these cancers.
Therefore, staying up-to-date with the latest vaccine recommendations, particularly for those in high-risk categories, is essential for preventing HPV-related diseases. The new single-dose schedule could help improve vaccination rates among eligible age groups, thereby enhancing overall population protection.
