HPV vaccination programs in LMIC: is it time to optimize schedules and recommendations?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Prophylactic HPV vaccines are essential for reducing infections and tumors caused by prevalent HPV types.
• Many countries have implemented HPV vaccination programs for adolescents (9-14 years), including boys in some regions, and for immunocompromised adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy and implementation of HPV vaccination schedules.
• To explore the potential of reduced-dose HPV vaccination regimens.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on HPV vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy.
• Analysis of antibody responses to different dosing schedules (two vs. three doses).
• Evaluation of data supporting single-dose HPV vaccination.

Main Results:

• Antibody responses in girls were non-inferior after two doses compared to three doses.
• Several countries have reduced their HPV vaccination schedule to two doses for individuals up to 14 years.
• Growing evidence supports the immunogenicity and efficacy of a single-dose HPV vaccine regimen.

Conclusions:

• A single-dose HPV vaccination strategy could significantly decrease pre-cancer and cervical cancer incidence.
• Reduced costs and simplified implementation of single-dose vaccination can enhance global HPV vaccine introduction and adherence.