human papillomavirus

CDC Issues New HPV Vaccination Recommendation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended administering catch-up vaccination to men and women aged 26 years or younger who were not vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) at age 11 or 12 years, when the vaccine is routinely recommended.1 The report formalizes recommendations initially issued by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in June 2019.

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In their report, the CDC noted that routine recommendations for adolescents have not changed. Furthermore, although catch-up vaccination is not recommended for all adults aged 27 to 45 years, the CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making in this patient population, as some individuals who are not adequately vaccinated could benefit from catch-up vaccination. The US Food and Drug Administration recently expanded the indication of the HPV 9-valent vaccine to include adults aged 27 to 45 years.

The HPV vaccine is administered in a 2-dose or 3-dose series.2 Two doses are recommended for children aged 9 to 14 years, and 3 doses are recommended for individuals aged 15 to 26 years who receive their first dose on or after their 15th birthday.2

Age 11 or 12 years is the ideal age of administration, according to the CDC.2 Because approximately 80% of people will have an HPV infection during their lifetime, vaccination at age 11 or 12 years can offer protection long before exposure occurs.2

—Christina Vogt

References:

  1. Meites E, Szilagyi PG, Chesson HW, Unger ER, Romero JR, Markowitz LE. Human papillomavirus vaccination for adults: updated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019;68:698-702. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6832a3.
  2. HPV vaccine schedule and dosing. Human papillomavirus (HPV). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/schedules-recommendations.html. Updated August 15, 2019. Accessed August 16, 2019.