What additional Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine doses are recommended for a 23-year-old male who received one dose at 17 years old?

From the Guidelines

For a 23-year-old who received one dose of HPV vaccine at age 17, two additional doses are recommended to complete the series. Since the individual is now beyond the age of 21, the recommendation for men is to receive a 3-dose series of HPV at 0,1-2, and 6 months if they did not complete the series as adolescents 1. Given that this individual received only one dose before age 15 and is now beyond the age threshold for a reduced dose schedule, completing the series with two additional doses is advisable. The series does not need to be restarted, and the individual should receive the second dose as soon as possible, followed by the third dose at least 12 weeks after the second dose and at least 5 months after the first dose. Key points to consider include:

• The importance of completing the HPV vaccination series for protection against HPV types that can cause various cancers and genital warts.
• The vaccine's effectiveness when given before exposure to HPV through sexual activity, but also its continued benefit against strains the person hasn't yet encountered.
• The safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine, with side effects typically limited to injection site soreness, mild fever, or headache, as supported by guidelines such as those outlined in the adult immunization schedule 1.

From the Research

HPV Vaccination Schedule

The user is inquiring about the number of HPV vaccine doses a 23-year-old individual should receive, given that they have already received one dose at the age of 17.

• The recommended HPV vaccination schedule is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but it can be inferred that the vaccination series typically consists of multiple doses 2, 3, 4, 5.
• The studies suggest that the HPV vaccine is most effective when administered at a younger age, with higher effectiveness estimates for younger adolescents aged 9-14 years 3.
• There is no direct information provided on the specific number of doses required for an individual who has already received one dose at the age of 17 and is now 23 years old.

Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety

• The studies demonstrate that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing cervical precancer and HPV-related diseases, with high-certainty evidence for their protection against cervical precancer in adolescent girls and young women aged 15-26 2.
• The vaccines have been shown to be safe, with no increased risk of serious adverse effects, although there were more deaths reported among women older than 25 years who received the vaccine 2.

Factors Influencing Vaccination Views and Practices

• A qualitative evidence synthesis identified several factors that influence caregivers' and adolescents' views and practices regarding HPV vaccination, including a lack of biomedical knowledge, perceptions of risks and benefits, and complex social and cultural beliefs 6.
• These factors can affect the acceptance and uptake of HPV vaccination, highlighting the need for tailored and context-specific interventions to promote vaccination.

It is essential to consult the specific vaccination guidelines and recommendations from reputable health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO), to determine the appropriate number of HPV vaccine doses for an individual in this situation 2, 3, 4, 5.