Single HPV Vaccine Shot May Prevent Cervical Cancer, Study Shows

A recent study led by the U.S. National Cancer Institute reveals that a single dose of the HPV vaccine may be as effective as the standard two doses in preventing cervical cancer. This significant finding was reported in the New England Journal of Medicine and is based on research conducted in Costa Rica.

More than 20,000 girls aged 12 to 16 participated in the study, where researchers tested two different HPV vaccines. Half of the participants received one type of vaccine, while the other half received the second type.

Six months later, within each group, half of the girls received a second dose of their assigned vaccine, while the others received an unrelated child vaccination. Over a five-year period, these girls were monitored for cervical tests focusing on the most cancer-prone HPV strains.

The results indicated that a single dose provided about 97% protection against HPV infection, comparable to the protection offered by two doses. Dr. Ruanne Barnabas, an infectious disease specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, noted that previous studies hinted at the efficacy of a single dose, but this study confirms strong protection for at least five years.

With cervical cancer claiming around 340,000 lives globally each year, this discovery could transform vaccination strategies, particularly in low-income countries where access to healthcare is limited.

The study's findings could enhance global efforts to vaccinate more girls and young women. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two HPV shots starting at ages 11 or 12, with catch-up shots for those up to 26 who haven't been vaccinated.

In the U.S., about 78% of adolescents aged 13 to 17 have received at least one dose. However, the World Health Organization reports that globally, less than a third of adolescent girls have received the vaccine.

While the study offers promising results, researchers caution that additional information is needed regarding HPV-related cancers beyond cervical cancer and that longer monitoring is essential to fully understand the long-term efficacy of a single vaccine dose.

This research represents a crucial step in the fight against cervical cancer, highlighting the potential for more equitable and effective vaccination strategies worldwide.