(RxWiki News) The American Cancer Society (ACS) has given its endorsement to updated human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination guidelines.
The ACS endorsed the two-dose vaccination for girls and boys between ages 9 and 14 after conducting its own study of past research on this regimen.
"In the past several years, studies have shown the vaccine is even more effective than expected," said Dr. Debbie Saslow, senior director of HPV-related and women's cancers for the ACS, in a press release. "This new two-dose regimen is easier to follow, and we now know is very effective in preventing HPV, which is linked to a half dozen types of cancer."
The updated regimen got approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2016. For those between nine and 14 years of age, two doses of the vaccine have appeared effective in preventing infection with HPV. According to the ACS endorsement, those between the ages of 15 and 26 still require the three-dose HPV vaccine regimen for adequate protection.
HPV is a virus that is spread through sexual contact. It has been linked to several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar and oropharyngeal cancers.
Despite strong evidence of safety and effectiveness, the ACS noted that HPV vaccination rates in the United States are lower than in other countries.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which vaccinations you need.
The ACS study was published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. The ACS received funds from pharmaceutical companies and other groups.
