The Health Council recommends that all groups should be given two doses of vaccine when vaccinating against the human papillomavirus (HPV). For the group older than 15 years this means a reduction from three to two injections. The number of injections remains the same for younger children. The Council writes this to the State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport.
HPV Vaccination Doses Adjustment
HPV vaccination is offered through the National Immunization Program to girls and boys in the year they turn 10 (two shots). In addition, a catch-up vaccination program for young adult women and men (three shots) will start in the short term.
At the request of the State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport, the Health Council has examined whether the number of injections can be reduced. The reason for this was advice from the English Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and the World Health Organization WHO.
Two doses
The council has reviewed the scientific data on the efficacy and effectiveness of one, two or three doses of vaccine. The Council concludes from this that two doses are sufficient for people aged 15 years and older: the effect of two doses is sufficiently robust and convincing to limit vaccination to this. For children under 15, the council advises to keep the number of injections at two.
The results of research into the effect of one dose are still too uncertain. The Council advises waiting for the results of ongoing research into a single injection and possibly reassessing the vaccination schedule afterwards.