Ethical considerations for the modification of routine human papillomavirus immunisation schedules.

Abstract

On April 6, 2022, WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) changed the recommendation on the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination schedule for girls aged 9–14 years from a two-dose regimen to either a two-dose or one-dose regimen. 1 WHOHighlights from the meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/reproductive-health/sage_april2022meetinghighlights_11apr2022_final.pdf?sfvrsn=21bcfb4f_3Date: April 11, 2022 Date accessed: April 16, 2022 Google Scholar The rationale provided for this change was that a single dose of any of the WHO-prequalified HPV vaccines is less resource-intensive and results in greater population coverage than two doses, but still provides a high level of individual protection. 1 WHOHighlights from the meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/reproductive-health/sage_april2022meetinghighlights_11apr2022_final.pdf?sfvrsn=21bcfb4f_3Date: April 11, 2022 Date accessed: April 16, 2022 Google Scholar This off-label recommendation was made despite cautionary warnings from drug manufacturers, ongoing clinical trials, and with some of the evidence only boasting a moderate degree of certainty. 1 WHOHighlights from the meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/reproductive-health/sage_april2022meetinghighlights_11apr2022_final.pdf?sfvrsn=21bcfb4f_3Date: April 11, 2022 Date accessed: April 16, 2022 Google Scholar