From the Guidelines
The recommended HPV vaccine schedule for a 12-year-old is a two-dose series of the 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9), with the second dose given 6 to 12 months after the first dose. This schedule is based on the most recent evidence from the American Cancer Society, which recommends that all children be vaccinated at age 11 or 12 years to protect against HPV infections that lead to several cancers and precancers 1. The 9-valent HPV vaccine provides protection against HPV types that cause most cervical, anal, and other genital cancers, as well as genital warts.
The rationale for administering the HPV vaccine routinely at the 11- through 12-year-old visit is based on data from vaccine trials, epidemiologic studies of HPV infection, and sexual behavior, which indicate that the greatest protection will be achieved by giving the vaccine before the adolescent becomes sexually active 1. The vaccine should be administered as an intramuscular injection, typically in the upper arm (deltoid muscle).
Some key points to consider when administering the HPV vaccine include:
- The vaccine is most effective when given before any exposure to HPV through sexual activity
- Side effects are generally mild and may include pain or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, and headache
- Parents should keep a record of their child's vaccination dates to ensure the second dose is received within the recommended timeframe
- If the second dose is delayed beyond 12 months, it should still be given as soon as possible to complete the series
It's also important to note that health care provider recommendation and physician attitude play a major role in the decision to vaccinate against HPV, and a strong endorsement is more influential than a weak one 1. By recommending the HPV vaccine as a routine vaccine that prevents cancer, health care providers can help increase vaccination rates and protect against HPV-related cancers.
From the FDA Drug Label
Effectiveness of GARDASIL 9 against persistent infection and disease related to vaccine HPV types in 9- through 14-year-old girls and boys who received a 2-dose regimen was inferred from non-inferiority comparison conducted in the PPI population in Study 8 of GMTs following vaccination with GARDASIL 9 among 9- through 14-year-old girls and boys who received a 2-dose regimen (at 0,6 months or 0,12 months) with those among 16- through 26-year-old girls and women who received a 3-dose regimen (at 0,2,6 months)
The recommended HPV vaccine schedule for a 12-year-old is a 2-dose regimen, with doses administered at 0 and 6 months or 0 and 12 months 2.
- The 2-dose regimen is effective in preventing infection and disease related to vaccine HPV types in 9- through 14-year-old girls and boys.
- The anti-HPV GMTs at one month after the last dose among 9- through 14-year-old girls and boys who received 2 doses of GARDASIL 9 were non-inferior to anti-HPV GMTs among 16- through 26-year-old girls and women who received 3 doses of GARDASIL 9.
From the Research
HPV Vaccine Schedule for a 12-year-old
The recommended Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine schedule for a 12-year-old is as follows:
- A 2-dose schedule is recommended for girls and boys who initiate the vaccination series at ages 9 through 14 years 3
- The first dose is typically administered at age 11 or 12 years, as part of the routine vaccination schedule 3
- The second dose is usually given 6-12 months after the first dose 3
Key Considerations
- Three doses are still recommended for persons who initiate the vaccination series at ages 15 through 26 years and for immunocompromised persons 3
- The HPV vaccine is most effective against HPV-related disease outcomes when given at younger ages, emphasizing the importance of on-time vaccination 4
- Vaccine effectiveness estimates for younger adolescents ages 9-14 years ranged from approximately 74% to 93% 4
Additional Information
- The HPV vaccine is a highly effective prophylactic vaccine to prevent high-risk HPV infections, which can cause cervical cancer and other diseases 5
- The vaccine is available in two forms: a quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil) and a bivalent vaccine (Cervarix) 5
- Despite the availability of the HPV vaccine, it remains underutilized due to vaccine hesitancy and lack of awareness 6