HPV vaccine experts consider single-dose recommendation

Medical experts are evaluating whether a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could provide sufficient protection for adolescents, potentially replacing the current two-dose recommendation. This proposed change represents a significant shift in long-standing immunization guidance.

In the United States, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is linked to approximately 50,000 cancer cases annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is responsible for about 90% of cervical and anal cancers. While data suggests high efficacy for a single dose in girls, evidence for boys and other cancer types is still being assessed.

The discussion comes amid a period of fractured guidance in the U.S., where federal officials and various medical organizations have faced disagreements and legal disputes regarding vaccination protocols. Current vaccines, including Merck & Co.’s Gardasil and GlaxoSmithKline’s Cervarix, are typically prioritized for 11- and 12-year-olds to ensure protection before sexual activity begins.