WHO experts recommend HPV jab for girls aged 4-8
The WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation now recommends that countries consider HPV vaccination for girls aged four to eight to improve global coverage. While the target is 90% coverage, current global rates remain at 33%, prompting a shift toward more flexible, single-dose schedules.
Why it matters
Expanding vaccination access and adjusting age guidelines are critical strategies for reducing the global burden of cervical cancer, particularly in high-mortality regions.
Some 165 countries have introduced the human papillomavirus vaccine, said Anthony Scott, who chairs the WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE).
"However, the global HPV vaccine coverage, at 33%, is far short of the global target we're looking for, which is 90%," he told reporters.
HPV vaccination is a priority for all girls aged nine to 14, according to the WHO.
Back in 2022, SAGE recommended a one- or two-dose schedule for girls aged nine to 14; the same for young women aged 15 to 20; and two doses with a six-month interval for women over 21.
After reviewing updated evidence, SAGE decided the single-dose vaccine schedule for girls aged nine to 14 was the most efficient way to reach the global target.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in