New Recommendations for HPV Shots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new recommendations for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

These new recommendations are geared toward younger adolescents between the ages of 11 and 12.

The CDC is recommending that this particular population receive only two doses of the HPV vaccine rather than the previously recommended three doses. The two doses should be at least six months apart, according to the CDC.

In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a two-dose schedule for 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) for children between the ages of 9 and 14.

Teens and young adults ages 15 through 26 will continue to require three doses of the HPV vaccine.

HPV vaccines protect against potentially cancer-causing HPV infection. 

A panel of experts known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted on these new recommendations. The recommendations were formed after a review of studies on the subject. 

Adolescents between the ages of 13 and 14 can also receive HPV vaccination following the two-dose schedule, according to the CDC.

Speak with your pharmacist or doctor about protecting your child against cancer caused by HPV infections.