SUMMARY:

The most recent evidence-based HPV vaccine recommendations address when to administer the vaccine and dosing.  One area that has elicited more recent guidance focuses on whether to offer the HPV vaccine to individuals over the age of 26.

• The FDA (October 2018) extended approval of HPV vaccine to individuals age 27-45 years
• ACIP (June 2019) voted to
  • Expand routine and catch-up HPV vaccination in males through 26 years of age who are inadequately vaccinated
  • Offer HPV vaccine to individuals age 27-45 years who have not been adequately vaccinated based on shared clinical decision making
• ACIP published their final recommendations (August 2019) in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Children and adults aged 9 through 26 years: HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at age 11 or 12 years; vaccination can be given starting at age 9 years. Catch-up HPV vaccination is recommended for all persons through age 26 years who are not adequately vaccinated.

Adults aged >26 years: Catch-up HPV vaccination is not recommended for all adults aged >26 years. Instead, shared clinical decision-making regarding HPV vaccination is recommended for some adults aged 27 through 45 years who are not adequately vaccinated. HPV vaccines are not licensed for use in adults aged >45 years.

These recommendations for children and adults aged 9 through 26 years and for adults aged >26 years apply to all persons, regardless of behavioral or medical risk factors for HPV infection or disease.

For persons who are pregnant, HPV vaccination should be delayed until after pregnancy; however, pregnancy testing is not needed before vaccination.

Persons who are breastfeeding or lactating can receive HPV vaccine. Recommendations regarding HPV vaccination during pregnancy or lactation have not changed.

• ACIP suggests considering the following points for shared-decision making with adults who are 27 to 45 years of age
  • HPV is very common, usually transient and asymptomatic
  • Although typically acquired in young adulthood, some adults are at risk for acquiring new HPV infection
  • A new sex partner is a risk factor, while those in long-term, mutually monogamous partnerships are not likely to acquire a new HPV infection
  • HPV types: Sexually active adults will likely have been exposed to some HPV types, but not all HPV types are vaccine targets
  • There is no antibody test to determine immunity
  • HPV vaccine has high efficacy in young persons not yet exposed to vaccine-type HPV
  • Lower vaccine effectiveness may be expected in those with HPV risk factors
    • Multiple lifetime sex partners | Previous infection with vaccine-type HPV | immunocompromising conditions
  • HPV vaccines are prophylactic only and can’t prevent infection progression, improve time to clearance or treat HPV-related disease
• In summary, the CDC states

For adults aged 27 years and older, clinicians can consider discussing HPV vaccination with people who are most likely to benefit. HPV vaccination does not need to be discussed with most  adults over age 26 years

Updated ACOG HPV vaccine recommendations (consistent with CDC)

• Routine HPV vaccination is recommended for females and males ages 9-26
• Target age is 11-12 years but can be given through age 26
• Before age 15: Only 2 doses are needed
  • Dose given at 0 (baseline) and 6-12 months
  • If interval < 5 months, 3rd dose recommended
• 15 years of age or older: 3 doses are needed
  • Dose given at 0 (baseline), 1-2 months and 6 months
• Do not test for HPV DNA prior to vaccination
  • Vaccinate even if patient was tested and is HPV DNA positive
• Vaccinate even if patient has had an abnormal Pap or history of genital warts
• Pregnancy
  • HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy
  • Pregnancy testing prior to HPV vaccination not recommended
  • If vaccination schedule is interrupted by pregnancy, resume postpartum with the next dose
  • HPV vaccine can and should be given to breastfeeding women ≤ 26 who have not been vaccinated
• Counsel to expect mild local discomfort and that this is not a cause for concern
  • Watch adolescents for at least 15 minutes following vaccination due to risk of fainting in this population

AAP HPV Vaccine Implementation Guidance 2017

The AAP  has also endorsed the CDC HPV recommendations and provides the following guidance

The AAP and the ACIP of the CDC recommend HPV vaccination with any available vaccine for routine immunization of females at 11 or 12 years of age, and recommend either 9vHPV or 4vHPV** for routine immunization of males 11 or 12 years of age. The vaccination series can be started as young as 9 years of age, and in the case of a child who has been the victim of sexual abuse, HPV vaccination is recommended beginning at 9 years of age.

AAP recommends that physicians frame their HPV discussions with families as an opportunity to prevent HPV-related cancer deaths rather than as an STI vaccine

Learn More – Primary Sources:

FDA approves expanded use of Gardasil 9 to include individuals 27 through 45 years old

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Adults: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (MMWR)

CDC: HPV Vaccination Schedules & Recommendations

ACOG Committee Opinion 704: Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

AAP HPV Vaccine Implementation Guidance Updated February 2017

CDC Frequently Asked Questions about HPV Vaccine Safety

CDC HPV Vaccine Fact Sheet for Parents

ACOG Statement on HPV Vaccination (June 2019)

Related ObG Topics:

CDC Vaccination Schedule: Birth – 18 years

Gardasil Now FDA Approved for Individuals 27 to 45 Years Old

CDC Adult Vaccination Schedule

How has HPV Prevalence Changed Since Introduction of Vaccine?

Is HPV Vaccination During Pregnancy Safe?