ACS Update Recommendations for HPV Vaccine in Children 9 to 14 Years Old
The American Cancer Society updated its recommendations for HPV vaccinations in children ages 9 to 14 years old.
The updated guidelines are based upon a review of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) HPV vaccination recommendation, a literature review used to supplement the evidence of the ACIP, and the incorporation of new data on population outcomes and new vaccine formulations since the publication of the ACS guidelines in 2007.
The ACS endorsed the ACIP guidelines, and recommends:
- The new 2-dose schedule should be implemented if children initiate the HPV vaccination series before their 15th birthday, and the second dose should be administered within 6 to 12 months after the first dose.
- The 3 dose HPV vaccination series is still recommended for girls and boys at 15 through 26 years of age.
“Immunogenicity of 2 doses in individuals ages 9 to 14 years was found to be at least as high as immunogenicity of 3 doses in females ages 16 to 26 years across 7 studies. Efficacy and cost-effectiveness data provide further support for a 2-dose schedule,” the guidelines stated.
—Melissa Weiss
Reference:
Smith RA, Brooks D, Manassaram-Baptiste D, and Brawley OW. Cancer screening in the United States 2017: a review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and current issues in cancer screening [published online February 7, 2017. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. doi:10.3322/caac.21392.