A new study from Australia found that just one dose of the HPV vaccine is highly protective against cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is typically given in 2 or 3 doses depending on the recipient’s age.
Key Takeaways:
- The study showed that women who received 1 or 2 doses of the HPV vaccine were just as protected against HPV-caused cancers as women who received 3 doses.
- The HPV vaccine was originally recommended to be given in 3 doses upon its 2006 FDA approval; younger people with a lower risk of HPV exposure can now receive just 2 doses. The 3-dose schedule in particular has proven effective in protecting against cervical and other HPV-caused cancers (including anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile).
- Does this mean you should skip your second or third dose of the HPV vaccine? Not yet! The study requires replication within the US to control for differences between countries.
- The CDC continues to recommend 2 HPV vaccine doses for younger girls and 3 doses for those who start the series after turning 15.
- Note: Over 26 and think you’re no longer eligible to get the HPV vaccine? That’s not true! As of 2018, the FDA has approved the HPV vaccine for use in individuals aged up to age 45. However, the CDC currently recommends that only those at risk of HPV consider getting vaccinated. You can discuss with your physician whether the HPV vaccine is right for you.
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