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ACS endorses two-dose HPV vaccination schedule
The American Cancer Society endorsed the updated recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that support a two-dose schedule for boys and girls who initiate HPV vaccination from 9 to 14 years of age.
“In the past several years, studies have shown the vaccine is even more effective than expected,” Debbie Saslow, PhD, senior director of HPV–related and women's cancers for ACS. “This new two-dose regimen is easier to follow, and we now know is very effective in preventing HPV, which is linked to a half dozen types of cancer.”
The endorsement — derived from several clinical trials that demonstrated adequate protection from a two-dose regimen and published in ACS's annual screening update— included the following recommendations:
- The recommended immunization schedule is two doses of HPV vaccine for persons initiating vaccination prior to 15 years of age;
- The second dose should be administered 6 to 12 months after the first dose; and
- Those aged 15 to 26 years still require a three-dose series for full protection.
This update follows FDA approval of the two-dose schedule in October.