HPV (human papilloma virus) it is a very common viruswhich is mainly transmitted sexually, but can also be transmitted by direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Most infections do not cause symptoms and go away on their own, but some do strains can cause genital warts or pre-malignant lesions, which, if left untreated, can develop into cancer, the most frequent cervical cancer. There are over 100 strains of HPV, of which 14 are considered high-risk for cancer, the mostbeing oscute 16 and 18. Available vaccines protect against twarts and genital warts, providing a safe and effective method of reducing the risk of HPV-related cancer.
A new analysis published in New England Journal of Medicine suggests that a single dose of HPV vaccine may be as effective as the standard two-dose schedule.
The study, conducted by U.S. National Cancer Institutein collaboration with Costa Rica Agency for Biomedical Researchincluded over 20,000 girls between the ages of 12 and 16. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a single dose or two doses of bivalent or nonavalent HPV vaccine. At six months, half of the girls received the second dose, while the other half received a pediatric vaccine unrelated to HPV. All participants were followed for a period of five yearsthey did regular gynecological check-ups, the analyzes focusing on the most oncogenic strains of HPV. In parallel, a group of 3,005 unvaccinated girls was used to compare the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Analysis of the results revealed that a single dose of HPV vaccine provided approximately 97% protection against HPV strains 16 and 18, performance comparable to the standard two-dose schedule. Statistical evaluation confirmed that one dose was non-inferior to two doses, with no significant differences in infection rates. Both types of vaccine have been shown to be safewith no safety issues reported over the entire five-year follow-up period.
These results are particularly important for low income countrieswhere access to multiple vaccine doses may be limited. Simplifying the schedule to a single dose could increase vaccination coverage, reduce costs and protect more girls and young women globally. Although the study focused on cervical HPV infections, the researchers emphasize the need for long-term monitoring to assess protection against other HPV-related cancers. Given that less than a third of adolescent girls globally are vaccinated, adopting a single-dose strategy could significantly accelerate cervical cancer prevention efforts worldwide.
Read also: STUDY. Administration of one or two doses of HPV vaccine at ages younger than 15 years has similar efficacy to three doses of HPV vaccination
In December 2022, the European Union updated cervical cancer screening recommendations, focusing on HPV testing for women aged 30 to 65 at 5-year intervals and ensuring vaccination of the eligible under-15 population. HPV testing is more effective than cytology, providing a more accurate assessment of cancer risk.
In Romania, anti-HPV vaccination has become much more accessible since October 1, 2025: insured persons, of both sexes, aged between 11 and 26 years benefit from full vaccine compensation, and women between 27 and 45 years benefit from partial compensation (50%). The vaccine is available in pharmacies on the basis of medical prescription and is administered by specialized doctors. This measure increases the prevention of cervical cancer and contributes to reducing the incidence of cancers associated with HPV infection.
Read also:
Material drafted with the help of AI, verified and edited by the Guard Report team, made up of specialists in the medical field.
