# HPV vaccination research and global policy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hpv-vaccination-research-and-global-policy > Updated: 2026-10-13T15:36:12.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2. A Swedish study published in the journal BMJ, analyzing approximately 625,000 first-time births between 2006 and 2023, suggests that HPV vaccination may reduce risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Researchers found that vaccinated women faced a 5% lower relative risk of preterm birth before the 37th week, with a 15% risk reduction for births occurring between the 28th and 31st weeks. Other observed benefits included lower risks of spontaneous preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, and significant developmental delays in newborns. Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet and the University of Gothenburg noted that protective effects were particularly strong among women vaccinated before age 17. However, they cautioned that because the study is observational, it does not definitively prove the vaccine is the direct cause of these outcomes, as lifestyle or socioeconomic factors could be involved. In response to global coverage gaps, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization have issued new guidance to combat cervical cancer. With global coverage currently at 33%, SAGE experts, led by chair Anthony Scott, recommend that countries consider routine HPV vaccination for girls as young as four to eight years old to improve uptake. The committee affirmed that a single-dose schedule for girls aged 9 to 14 remains the most effective strategy to reach the 90% coverage goal. Regional implementation is also advancing: Eswatini has launched a nationwide primary school campaign for nine-year-old girls, while Mexico has expanded its national strategy to include boys and other priority groups to prevent HPV-related cancers of the anus, penis, and oropharynx. ## Claims - WHO experts suggest countries consider routine HPV vaccination for girls aged four to eight to improve coverage. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Global HPV vaccine coverage is currently at 33 percent. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The global target for HPV vaccination coverage is 90 percent. (corroborated by 11 sources) - In 2024, there were 604,000 new cases and 280,000 deaths attributed to cervical cancer. (corroborated by 11 sources) - A single-dose vaccination schedule for girls aged 9 to 14 is the most effective approach to reach the 90 percent coverage goal. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Approximately 165 countries have introduced the HPV vaccine. (corroborated by 7 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-13: WHO experts recommend HPV vaccination for girls as young as four WHO experts recommend considering HPV vaccination for girls aged 4 to 8 to boost global coverage from 33% toward a 90% target, while affirming single-dose schedules for ages 9 to 14. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/who-evaluates-hpv-vaccination-for-children-aged-4-to-8 ### 2026-10-12: HPV vaccine linked to lower pregnancy complication risks A Swedish study published in BMJ finds that HPV vaccination is linked to a lower risk of preterm birth and other pregnancy complications, especially if administered before age 17. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hpv-vaccine-may-reduce-pregnancy-and-preterm-birth-risks --- Cite as: HPV vaccination research and global policy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hpv-vaccination-research-and-global-policy